Cardiovascular consequences of sleep apnea: II-Cardiovascular mechanisms.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder with serious cardiovascular consequences. The pathogenesis in this context is likely to be multifactorial process including large negative swings in intrathoracic pressure, intermittent hypoxemia and hypercapnia, increased sympathetic nervous system activity, vascular endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, excessive platelet activation as well as metabolic dysregulation. Although there is scientific support for a considerable impact of OSA on vascular structure and function, it is likely that development of cardiovascular diseases is determined by multiple genotypic and phenotypic factors. The current article focuses on the available research evidence addressing the cardiovascular mechanisms in this context.