Cardiovascular disease: pathophysiological mechanisms

OSA is a common disease that affects approximately 10% of the middle-aged population and becomes more prevalent with age. It is caused by intermittent and repetitive collapse of the UA during sleep. The main acute physiological consequences of OSA are oxygen desaturation, intrathoracic pressure changes and arousals. OSA is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is an independent risk factor for CVD. The pathogenesis of CVD in OSA is not completely understood but is likely to be multifactorial, involving a diverse range of closely interrelated and detrimental intermediate mechanisms that predispose patients to atherosclerosis, including oxidative stress, sympa…