Obstructive sleep apnoea and its association with left ventricular function and aortic root parameters in newly diagnosed, untreated patients: a prospective study.

This prospective study investigated whether untreated obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), which is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, is a risk factor for left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction and aortic root dilatation. Ninety consecutive patients with breathing and snoring problems, including 64 with newly diagnosed, untreated OSAHS, were classified into four groups based on their apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI). All participants underwent overnight polysomnographic and complete echocardiographic examinations, and LV systolic, diastolic and aortic measurements were compared. Body mass index was the only demographic characteristic that significantly increased as the severity of OSAHS (AHI) increased and it significantly correlated with AHI. Patients with a higher AHI had a significantly higher aortic root diameter and aortic stiffness index, and significantly lower aortic strain. The LV diastolic parameters were least favourable in patients with more severe OSAHS. The LV ejection fraction did not differ significantly between groups. It was concluded that LV diastolic function and aortic elastic parameters deteriorate with OSAHS.