Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Cardiovascular Disorders

Compelling data demonstrate a strong association between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and cardiovascular disorders. The association is most consistent between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension. Epidemiologic and clinic-based studies provide evidence for an etiological role of OSA in hypertension, independent of obesity. Furthermore, several studies suggest amelioration of hypertension with therapy for sleep apnea. Emerging data also suggest a role for OSA in causing coronary artery disease. This association is bolstered by evidence suggesting that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy improves early signs of atherosclerosis and may impede progression to clinically important cardiovascular disease. SDB (both OSA and central sleep apnea) is frequently observed in patients with heart failure. OSA may be a risk factor for incident heart failure. The current data do not provide consistent evidence for whether treatment of SDB will improve survival or other end points in patients with heart failure, and larger trials are currently underway to better elucidate that relationship. Substantial evidence also links SDB to an increased risk of various arrhythmias. Treatment of SDB with CPAP appears to significantly attenuate that risk. Finally, several studies suggest SDB as a risk factor for stroke. Whether treatment of SDB reduces stroke risk, however, remains to be determined. In conclusion, persuasive data provide evidence for an association, probably causal, between sleep-disordered breathing and several cardiovascular disorders. Large randomized controlled trials will further help confirm the association and elucidate the cardiovascular benefits of SDB therapy.