Prevalence of several somatic diseases depends on the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea

Study objectivesThe objective was to investigate the prevalence of heart attack, angina pectoris, stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and obesity in relation to the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea.MethodsThe sample consisted of 1887 patients, with mean age of 48.6 years (range 16–83 years), referred to a university hospital on suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea. The patients filled out a questionnaire asking whether they were previously diagnosed with the comorbidities in interest. Obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed and categorized based on a standard respiratory polygraphic sleep study using a type 3 portable monitor. The patients’ weight, height and blood pressure were measured during the consultations.ResultsIn total, 37.9% were categorized as not having obstructive sleep apnea (Apnea-hypopnea index ConclusionsA higher prevalence of heart attack, angina pectoris, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity was seen with greater obstructive sleep apnea severity. Obesity and hypertension, conditions easy to clinically assess, appear as the most central comorbidities with greater obstructive sleep apnea severity.