Correlation between carotid atherosclerosis and severity of sleep apnoea in patients without history of cardiovascular disease

Background Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has been linked to the development of atherosclerosis. However, the underlying role of metabolic derangements in the development of atherosclerosis in OSA patients is not well-defined yet. Objective The aim of this study was to test whether patients with newly diagnosed OSA have an increased probability to develop carotid atherosclerosis as compared to healthy individuals. Methods A total of 40 subjects without a previous history of cardiovascular disease that underwent full night polysomnography were included in the study. Subjects with an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15/h) were classified as moderate/severe OSA. Ultrasound was used to measure the carotid mean intima media thickness (cIMT) and the presence of atheromatic plaques on both carotid arteries of the subjects. Results All participants were well matched and had a similar cardiovascular risk profile (Framingham risk factors). Moderate to severe OSA was diagnosed in 21 subjects. The two groups had similar measurements of cIMT (0.66±0.17 vs 0.75±0.20 p= 0.33) and presence of atheromatic plaque (50% vs 45%, p=1.00). Conclusion Our study suggests that in patients with a similar cardiovascular risk profile and without history of cardiovascular disease, the severity of newly diagnosed OSA is not correlated to carotid atherosclerosis.