Beyond Sleep: The Cardiovascular Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Background/Objectives: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a chronic disorder characterized by repeated upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia and elevated sympathetic activity. OSAS is strongly linked to cardiovascular comorbidities such as hypertension, arrhythmias, heart failure, and atherosclerosis, contributing to structural and functional cardiac alterations. Methods: This study enrolled 105 consecutive patients diagnosed with OSAS and a control group of 100 patients without the syndrome. All participants underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation using Doppler imaging to assess cardiac structure and function. Results: Hypertension was significantly more prevalent in the OSAS group (81%) compared to controls (74%). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction occurred in 56.2% of OSAS patients versus 26% of controls. Left atrial enlargement and left ventricular hypertrophy were also more frequent in the OSAS group (21% and 51.4%, respectively) compared to controls (13% and 5%). Permanent atrial fibrillation was present in 17.1% of OSAS patients, significantly higher than the 7% observed in controls. These findings highlight the pronounced cardiac remodeling and arrhythmic burden associated with OSAS. Conclusions: The data confirm that OSAS is associated with increased cardiovascular abnormalities detectable by echocardiography, underscoring the need for routine cardiovascular screening in OSAS patients. Given the systemic implications of OSAS beyond sleep disturbances, a multidisciplinary approach is essential for early diagnosis and optimized management, aiming to mitigate cardiovascular risk and improve outcomes. OSAS is a significant cardiovascular risk factor requiring comprehensive clinical attention.