Obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease.

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea is a very prevalent syndrome that is commonly underdiagnosed in patients with heart disease. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of cessation of respiratory airflow caused by upper airway inspiratory collapse during sleep, with a consequent decrease in oxygen saturation. Hemodinamic and metabolic disturbances caused by this phenomenon that occurs hundred of time during the night contribute to the onset of hypertension, atherosclerosis and stroke. We will discuss in this brief update physiopathological principles involved in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and its interactions with the cardiovascular system, as well as peculiarities in the treatment of this syndrome based on the most recent clinical evidence.