Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased chemoreflex sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Study objectives

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often observed in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). In addition, the association of MetS and OSA substantially increases sympathetic nerve activity. However, the mechanisms involved in sympathetic hyperactivation in patients with MetS + OSA remain to be clarified. We tested the hypothesis that chemoreflex sensitivity is heightened in patients with MetS and OSA.

Design

Prospective clinical study.

Participants

Forty-six patients in whom MetS was newly diagnosed (ATP-III) were allocated into: (1) MetS + OSA (n = 24, 48 ± 1.8 yr); and (2) MetS - OSA (n = 22, 44 ± 1.7 yr). Eleven normal control subjects were also studied (C, 47 ± 2.3 yr).

Measurements

OSA was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/hr (

SUBMITTER: Trombetta IC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3524508 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature