Medical disorders impacted by obstructive sleep apnea

Dent Clin North Am. 2012 Apr;56(2):373-86. doi: 10.1016/j.cden.2012.01.002.

Abstract

Normal-sleeping individuals experience a lower metabolic rate and relative cardiovascular quiescent state with lower heart rate and blood pressure that naturally occurs during sleep compared with the waking state. In patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), this quiescent state becomes disrupted. Research has shown a higher risk for several medical disorders, most ominous being a myocardial infarction or stroke. This article serves as an overview to the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, metabolic, and gastroesophageal effects of OSA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / etiology*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Insulin Resistance / physiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / etiology*
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / complications*
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / physiopathology
  • Stroke / etiology