Relationship of obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome.

Abstract

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing parallel to obesity epidemics. The syndrome includes obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder characterized by repetitive upper airway obstructions during sleep. OSA is known to increase the risk of metabolic syndrome up to 9 times. Symptoms of OSA include snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headache, nocturia, nocturnal choking, and witnessed apnea. In order to diagnose OSA, polysomnography is required to confirm the diagnosis as well as define the severity of OSA. The main treatment for OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). According to prior studies, treatment of OSA can significantly reduce blood pressure, serum cholesterol and triglyceride, and improve glucose control in patients with diabetes mellitus. Death from myocardial infarction or stroke may be reduced with the use of CPAP in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.