Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in women: A forgotten cardiovascular risk factor

Abstract

Sleep-disordered breathing is a highly prevalent disorder with negative impact on healthcare systems worldwide. This condition has detrimental effects on cardiovascular health and quality of life, and is frequently associated with a variety of comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, heart failure, diabetes and atrial fibrillation. Nevertheless, it remains frequently undiagnosed and undertreated, especially in specific populations. Studies on sleep-disordered breathing have been conducted mainly on male patients, and the prevalence and severity of this disorder in women are underestimated. Recently, some clinical and laboratory evidence has highlighted the epidemiological and pathophysiological differences between men and women with sleep-disordered breathing. In this review, we discuss sex-related mechanisms of sleep-disordered breathing in frequently associated disorders, to improve clinical understanding of this condition and to simplify the practical application of targeted interventions. The aim is to improve prognosis among female patients and guarantee a better quality of life and a reduction in healthcare costs.

Keywords: Cardiovascular risk factor; Gender; Sleep apnea; Sleep-disordered breathing; Women.