Sleep-disordered breathing as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of disease-related death in most developed countries. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), including both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA), are increasing in overall prevalence and are often found in patients with established CVD. This review article will first discuss the most current medical literature regarding the clinical correlation between OSA and major CVDs, including systemic hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, and stoke, as well as the current evidence of the impact of treatment of OSA on these conditions. Second, a focus on the correlation between sleepdisordered breathing and heart failure (HF) will be addressed, including existing evidence regarding the potential benefits of treatment of SDB on HF outcomes. Finally, we will address practical approaches to help guide clinical decision-making, in terms of which patients with CVD should be considered for treatment of co-existing SDB.