Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Influence on the Cardiovascular System and Cognition

Like obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular and cognitive disorders are frequently observed with a significant impairment of the quality of life and a high socio-economic relevance. The effects of an untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the cardiovascular and cognitive disease risk and the therapy effect of OSA are scientifically proven for most cardiovascular and cognitive secondary disorders. For the clinical practice, there is a clear need for more interdisciplinarity. From a sleep-medical point of view, therapy indication should include the individual cardiovascular and cognitive risk, and cognitive diseases must be taken into account when considering therapy intolerance and residual symptoms. From the perspective of internal medicine, patients with poorly adjustable hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and stroke should be evaluated for OSA. In patients with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and depression, typical symptoms like fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and reduction in cognitive performance may overlap with OSA symptoms. The diagnosis of OSA should be integrated into the workup of these conditions, as treatment of OSA can reduce cognitive impairment and improve quality of life.