Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to sleep fragmentation and oxygen desaturation. It is now well established that OSA is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.
Studies have shown that OSA increases the risk of both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, even after adjusting for other risk factors such as age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). In a review of over 20 prospective cohort studies, people with severe OSA had a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular mortality than those without OSA, with an odds ratio of 1.68. Similarly, in a meta-analysis of prospective studies, people with OSA had an increased risk of all-cause mortality, with a pooled odds ratio of 1.33.
Moreover, OSA has also been associated with an increased risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases, which could in turn increase the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, OSA has been linked to inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, which could also contribute to the increased risk of mortality.
In conclusion, it is clear that OSA is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Therefore, it is important to identify and treat OSA in order to reduce the risk of mortality associated with this condition.