Coronary Artery Endothelial Dysfunction Associated With Sleep Apnea

Abstract

There is little information about coronary artery endothelial dysfunction in patients with sleep apnea. We evaluated relation between severity of sleep apnea and coronary artery endothelial dysfunction. In all, 26 patients without significant coronary stenoses were enrolled. Endothelial function was estimated by measuring coronary vasoreactivity in response to acetylcholine infusion (10(-7) mol/L) into coronary arteries. Vasoconstriction rate was defined as ([lumen diameter after isosorbide dinitrate injection - lumen diameter after acetylcholine injection]/lumen diameter after isosorbide dinitrate injection × 100). Vasoconstriction rate was calculated at each major coronary artery and the highest value was used for that patient. Overnight sleep study was performed and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was calculated as the mean number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep. There was significant correlation between AHI and vasoconstriction rate (P = .04). There is significant correlation between severity of sleep apnea and endothelial function of coronary arteries.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Coronary Artery Disease

“…18 In individuals without significant coronary artery stenosis, coronary artery endothelial dysfunction (assessed as vasoconstriction rate by quantitative coronary angiography) is significantly associated with the severity of OSA. 19 One clinical manifestation of endothelial dysfunction is erectile dysfunction, which is present in the majority (69%) of sleep clinic populations with OSA. 20 In patients with acute MI, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is significantly higher in those with versus without suspected OSA (74% vs 41%).…”

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Coronary Artery Disease: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Implications

“…A specific coronary endothelial function has been scarcely studied in patients with OSA. Kadohira et al [26] reported a significant correlation between coronary endothelial dysfunction measured by vasoreactivity response to acetylcholine infusion and the severity of OSA. …”

Factors influencing troponin T concentration in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

“…Repeated episodes of nocturnal hypoxemia result in endothelial dysfunction and remodeling of vascular walls, thus can lead to the development of systemic and pulmonary hypertension [14]. Moreover, the degree of OSAS severity, defined by AHI, has been found to correlate with the condition of coronary endothelial vessels and to affect their decongestion [15]. Our study revealed that the degree of OSAS correlated with an increase in TnT.…”