Association between Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder associated with significant implications
for cardiovascular health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the
association between sleep apnea and cardiovascular risk based on ten independent studies.
Methods: The meta-analysis included a total of 8,500 participants from ten selected studies.
Among them, 3,200 individuals were diagnosed with sleep apnea, while 5,300 served as nonsleep apnea controls. Pooled analysis was performed to assess the overall correlation between
sleep apnea and cardiovascular risk, with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)
calculated.
Results: The pooled analysis revealed a significant positive association between sleep apnea and cardiovascular risk, with an odds ratio of 2.15 (95% CI: 1.87 - 2.46). These findings were
consistent with individual studies reporting increased risks of coronary heart disease, heart
failure, and other cardiovascular diseases in participants with sleep apnea.
Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis underscore the clinical significance of recognizing sleep apnea as a potential risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Mechanisms such as intermittent hypoxia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and sympathetic activation are believed to contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases in individuals with sleep apnea. Consequently, appropriate screening and intervention strategies should be implemented to improve cardiovascular health in affected individuals. Further research should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in individuals with sleep apnea.