Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Its Cardiac Implications in the United States: An Age-Stratified Analysis Between Young and Older Adults

Chance Strenth, Anna Wani, Rupini Alla, Safia Khan, Frank David Schneider, Bhaskar Thakur

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder associated with cardiovascular risks. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of probable OSA and its relationship with cardiovascular risks and diseases focusing on age-stratified young adults (20–40 years) and older (>40 years). METHODS AND RESULTS: The study used a cross-sectional design, analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2013 and 2018, comprising 9887 community-dwelling adults aged ≥20 years. Probable OSA was determined on the basis of self-report of OSA-related symptoms (eg, snoring, gasping/breath cessation while sleeping). Cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, were evaluated according to established guidelines. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) included self-reported heart conditions, including congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, heart attacks, and strokes. Individuals with probable OSA showed a significantly higher prevalence of health conditions, including hypertension (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.19; P<0.001), diabetes (aPR, 1.17; P: 0.01), metabolic syndrome (aPR, 1.14; P<0.001), heart attack (aPR, 1.63; P<0.01), stroke (aPR, 1.41; P: 0.03), and any CVD event (aPR, 1.36; P: 0.01) after adjusting for relevant factors. Young adults with probable OSA showed higher prevalence rates of any CVD events (aPR, 3.44; P<0.001), hypertension (aPR, 1.45; P<0.001), metabolic syndrome (aPR, 1.25; P<0.001), and angina (aPR, 10.39; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests early identification and management of OSA in individuals at risk for CVD. While cross-sectional, it emphasizes that health care providers should recognize OSA as significantly associated with CVDs and its precursor risks in young adults, stressing proactive care and screening to reduce CVD risk in this population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere033810
JournalJournal of the American Heart Association
Volume13
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 18 2024

Keywords

  • cardiovascular diseases
  • cardiovascular health
  • metabolic syndrome
  • obstructive sleep apnea
  • stroke

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Its Cardiac Implications in the United States: An Age-Stratified Analysis Between Young and Older Adults'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this