Polysomnographic Parameters and Assessment of Cardiovascular Complications in Patients with Sleep Disordered Breathing

Abstract

Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) encompasses primary snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and hypoventilation disorders. OSA, prevalent in approximately one billion people globally, is characterized by upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to recurrent pauses in breathing and associated with factors such as obesity and structural abnormalities. CSA, less frequent but impactful, results from respiratory rhythm generator dysfunction and may be induced by various medical conditions. Diagnostic methods, primarily polysomnography, play a crucial role in identifying and assessing the severity of sleep apnea. Untreated OSA is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and sudden cardiac death. Additionally, OSA influences intrathoracic pressure and ventricular repolarization, potentially leading to sudden cardiac death. CSA risk factors include an increased mortality rate. Furthermore, SDB, especially OSA, has substantial implications for cardiovascular health, influencing coronary events and pulmonary arterial pressures. Nocturnal hypoxemia, measured by parameters like the Oxygen Desaturation Index, is linked to cardiovascular disease risk, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Overall, the impact of SDB on cardiovascular health is multifaceted, involving complex interactions between respiratory disturbances during sleep and various cardiovascular conditions. Addressing sleep-related breathing disorders is crucial for mitigating associated cardiovascular risks and improving overall health.