The Impact of Nocturnal Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome on Cerebrovascular Complications in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease
Received: 2026-07-07 00:25:27
Published: 2026-03-29
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) frequently coexist as comorbid conditions that mutually exacerbate one another. The aim of this review is to evaluate the impact of OSAS on cerebrovascular complications in patients with IHD based on a systematic review of the available literature.
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) and sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), represent one of the most significant challenges in contemporary medicine. Over the past decade, substantial evidence has demonstrated that the coexistence of these two conditions constitutes an independent risk factor for the development of cerebrovascular diseases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases accounted for approximately 31% of all global deaths in 2023. Meanwhile, the global prevalence of OSAS is estimated to range from 15% to 30%, with the condition occurring 2–3 times more frequently in men than in women. Among patients with IHD, the prevalence of OSAS is estimated to reach 40–60%.
Cerebrovascular complications, including ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), subcortical leukoencephalopathy, and cognitive impairment, are particularly common in patients with concomitant IHD and OSAS. Pathophysiologically, these complications are associated with hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and sympathetic overactivation. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these associations remain incompletely understood.
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