Is there an association between altered baroreceptor sensitivity and obstructive sleep apnoea in the healthy elderly?

ABSTRACT: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with a rise in cardiovascular risk in which increased sympathetic activity and depressed baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) have been proposed. We examined this association in a sample of healthy elderly subjects with unrecognised OSA. 801 healthy elderly (aged ≥65 years) subjects undergoing clinical, respiratory polygraphy and vascular assessment were examined. According to the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), the subjects were stratified into no OSA, mild-moderate OSA and severe OSA cases. OSA was present in 62% of the sample, 62% being mild-moderate and 38% severe. No differences were found for BRS value according to sex and OSA severity. 54% of the group had normal BRS value, 36% mild impairment and 10% severe dysfunction. BRS was negatively

SUBMITTER: Sforza E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5140016 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature