Prevalence of sleep apnea and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with hypertension in a day hospital model

ABSTRACT

Introduction: To identify patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome at a specialized hypertension center, we administered questionnaires and used respiratory polygraphy (RP). Results: We studied 168 patients (64.8% men and 35.2% women). Patients’ body mass index (BMI) was 34.7 ± 6.79 and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores were 8.01 for male and 8.92 for women (p = 0.69). RP recordings revealed AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) of 18.03 ± 15.7, an ODI (Oxygen Desaturation Index) of 18.6 ± 15.2, and a time oxygen saturation <90% (%) of 20.8 ± 24.3. Around 44% of patients had an AHI of >15 events/h, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was recommended to 69 patients (41.07%). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) showed high values in AHI > 15/h (p = 0.050), and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) did not correlate with AHI > 15; right IMT: 0.83 ± 1.3 versus 0.78 ± 0.13 mm (p = 0.41) and 0.82 ± 0.16 versus 0.78 ± 0.19 mm (p = 0.40). However, we find correlation with carotid plaque (p = 0.046). The ACC/AHA calculator revealed a gradual increase in the risk of cardiovascular events: 8.7% with AHI < 5/h, and 30.3% in severe OSA. Conclusions: In hypertension (HT) patients, RP revealed a high prevalence of OSA associated with carotid artery disease, high PWV, and increased cardiovascular risk.

KEYWORDS:

• Hypertension
• respiratory polygraphy
• risk factor
• sleep apnea
• STOP–BANG

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest and certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge, or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Funding

No funding was received for this research.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received for this research.