SLEEP APNEA AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK: MECHANISMS, EVIDENCE, AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Increasing evidence demonstrates a strong relationship between sleep apnea and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke. This review synthesizes current literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical outcomes linking sleep apnea with cardiovascular risk. Key mechanisms include intermittent hypoxia, oxidative stress, sympathetic nervous system activation, endothelial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Furthermore, this paper evaluates the impact of treatment modalities such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on cardiovascular outcomes. Understanding these associations is essential for early diagnosis and targeted interventions to reduce cardiovascular burden.