The Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Risk factors for Cardiovascular diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known to cause variety of cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between polysomnography (PSG) and risks factor for coronary heart disease in patients suspected to have OSA.

METHODS: A total of 108 consecutive adult habitual snorers underwent PSG. We assessed patients using the respiratory disturbance index (RDI), the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), body mass index (BMI), fasting serum total cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), and C-reactive protein (CRP).

RESULTS: Mean RDI scores were 0.53, 10.6, 27.3, and 45.1 in the control group (n = 21), mild (n = 29), moderate (n = 31), and severe (n = 27), respectively. Partial correlation analysis showed that patients' RDI score was significantly correlated with CRP after adjustment for BMI. Partial correlation analysis showed that the mean ESS score correlated significantly with the CRP level after adjustment for BMI. Partial correlation analysis showed that the mean least oxygen saturation was significantly correlated with CRP after adjustment for BMI Pearson's correlation coefficients examining the relationship between BMI and total cholesterol; TG and CRP were found to be 0.531, 0.401, and 0.321. The correlation of CRP levels with disease severity as assessed by RDI, ESS, and least oxygen saturation was significant after adjustment for BMI.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OSA have elevated serum levels of high-sensitivity-CRP, a marker for inflammation and an independent risk predictor for cardiovascular morbidity.