Heartfelt Sleep

The evidence that OSA treatment may help prevent cardiovascular disease increases.

By Matthew T. Naughton, MD, FRACP, and Irene Szollosi

OSA is now a recognized risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with increasing scientific evidence of the potential relationship between these common conditions emerging. Epidemiological studies have associated OSA with increased risk of hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiac failure. However, part of this association may be explained by other confounders, such as obesity, which is a common risk factor to both conditions. The present review summarizes some of the available evidence that examines the links between OSA and CVD.

When grouped together, the cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, disability, and health care expenditure in the United States and the leading cause of mortality worldwide.

1. It is estimated that one quarter of Americans live with CVD, and the burden of disease and economic impact is projected to grow as the population ages and risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, continue to rise.
2. Other major modifiable risk factors include high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids, smoking, diabetes, and unhealthy diets. Nonmodifiable risk factors include advancing age, family history, and male gender.

OSA shares many of the same risk factors as CVD such as male gender, obesity, and hypertension; however, OSA does occur in both sexes, thin people, and all age groups including children. In 1992, OSA was estimated to occur in 24% of men and 9% of women aged 30 to 60 years and OSA syndrome was found in 4% of men and 2% of women.
Given the increase in the prevalence of obesity since 1992, it is likely that these numbers also have increased.

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