Obstructive sleep apnea as a risk factor for atherosclerosis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with atherosclerosis and its consequences including myocardial infarction and stroke. The pathophysiological interactions comprise neural, vascular, mechanical, inflammatory, and metabolic mechanisms, which are caused by repetitive hypoxemia and contribute to cardiovascular disease progression. In mostly observational, albeit valuable studies, treatment with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) has been shown to exert several beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease and prognosis; however, evaluation of the data as well as a definitive therapeutic strategy is limited by lack of prospective, randomized data. © 2009 Springer.