Department of Internal Medicine, Safdarjung Hospital and Associated Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi.
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Safdarjung Hospital and Associated Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi.
Department of Cardiology and Radiology, Safdarjung Hospital and Associated Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi.
*Address for correspondence: Dr J C Suri, Senior Chest Physician & Head-Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. E-mail: jcsuri@rediffmail.com
There is paucity of Indian data evaluating the relationship of hypertension, ventricular dysfunction and carotid artery intima media thickness with Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and its severity. This observational study compared these outcomes amongst subjects with and without OSAHS. Subjects categorized as ‘High Risk’ on Berlin's questionnaire underwent polysomnography. The outcomes were evaluated by history, examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography and carotid artery ultrasonography. There were 48 cases (polysomnography confirmed OSAHS) and 44 controls (without OSAHS). Of the 48 cases, 28 (58%) were classified as severe and 20 (42%) non-severe (mild and moderate). A significant association independent of confounders was documented between OSAHS and: (i) blood pressure and hypertension; (ii) previous myocardial infarction, diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension and arrhythmias; and (iii) carotid artery plaques and intima-media thickness. However, there was no significant impairment of ejection fraction or systolic dysfunction. No statistically significant “dose response” relationship was evident on comparing subjects with severe and non-severe OSAHS.
Carotid intimal media thickness, Hypertension, Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome, Ventricular dysfunction
