Prevalence and correlates of pulmonary Hypertension in patients with sleep apnea Syndrome-an observational study.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), primarily manifesting as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a common disorder associated with recurrent upper airway obstruction, intermittent hypoxemia, and sleep fragmentation. OSA affects 9–38% of adults and is linked to cardiovascular comorbidities, including pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH, defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) >20 mmHg (≥25 mmHg in earlier studies), occurs in 17–42% of OSA patients. Its mechanisms involve intermittent hypoxia, sympathetic overactivity, and vascular remodeling. PH in OSA worsens prognosis, but positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy may partially reverse PH, highlighting the need for early detection and management. Aim and Objective: The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with sleep apnea syndrome. The secondary objective is to evaluate the severity of pulmonary hypertension correlation with the severity of sleep apnea syndrome and to identify various risk factors associated with pulmonary hypertension in sleep apnea syndrome.