Syndrome Z and Its Association with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

It is clear that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and metabolism syndrome share a similar pathophysilogic milieu that would be expected to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In patients with established coronary artery disease, treatment of OSA may confer long term cardiovascular benefits. Prevention of nocturnal hypoxemia, sympathetic activation and pressor surges in addition to reduction of daytime sympathetic activity, blood pressure and insulin resistance by continuous positive airway pressure would improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with metabolic syndrome.