A cross-sectional study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association discovered that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is correlated with an expanded risk of CVD in adults, including those aged younger than 40 years.

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of probable OSA and its relationship with CVD risks and diseases, focusing on age-stratified young adults (aged 20-40 years) and older adults (aged >40 years).

The analysis involved data from 9,887 community-dwelling adults aged ≥20 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2013 and 2018. Probable OSA was ascertained utilizing self-reports of OSA-related symptoms (e.g., snoring, gasping/breath cessation while sleeping). Cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, were assessed according to established guidelines, and CVD included self-reported heart conditions, including congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, myocardial infarctions, and strokes.

The results revealed that individuals with probable OSA exhibited a meaningfully greater prevalence of health conditions, including “hypertension: adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.19; P <0.001), diabetes (aPR, 1.17; P: 0.01), metabolic syndrome (aPR, 1.14; P <0.001), heart attack (aPR, 1.63; P <0.01), stroke (aPR, 1.41; P: 0.03), and any CVD event (aPR, 1.36; P: 0.01) after adjusting for relevant factors.”

Additionally, young adults with probable OSA demonstrated higher prevalence of “any CVD events (aPR, 3.44; P <0.001), hypertension (aPR, 1.45; P <0.001), metabolic syndrome (aPR, 1.25; P <0.001), and angina (aPR, 10.39; P <0.001).”

Based on their findings, the authors concluded that this study further highlights the correlation between probable OSA and CVD in young adults. Clinicians should be proactive in screening patients to aid in the early identification and management of probable OSA (pOSA) to lessen CVD risks in this patient population.

The authors noted, “The research underscores the need for increased awareness and screening of pOSA in primary care settings, especially among young adults, who may not typically be considered at high risk for CVD but demonstrate significant associations between pOSA and various CVD risk factors and incidents.”

Finally, they wrote, “These findings provide additional support that OSA in young adults represents a substantial associated factor with CVD and should be screened more readily in primary care, especially in patients who possess other CVD risk factors associated with OSA. Looking ahead, the consideration of conducting a longitudinal or cohort study could provide valuable insights into establishing a causal association.”

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