CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME

Abstract

The paper analyzes the cause-and-effect relations of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In OSAS,there is activation of the sympathetic nervous system and proinflammatory and procoagulant systems, endothelial dysfunction, and accelerated atherosclerosis in response to intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, which leads to increased risk for CVD. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy reduces the risk of death in patients with OSAS

Keywords

• systemic inflammation
• obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
• continuous positive airway pressure therapy
• hypoxia