Obstructive sleep apnea often harms the heart and lungs. A fresh study published in the World Journal of Cardiology links it directly to pulmonary hypertension in new patients. Doctors now have clear data on risks and impacts.
Study Methods and Patient Group
Researchers ran a cross-sectional study on 113 newly diagnosed OSA patients. All got echocardiography for pulmonary artery pressures. They also filled out the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire for quality of life. OSA severity came from polysomnography via apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Teams checked links between AHI, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), and QoL scores.
High PH Prevalence by Severity
Pulmonary hypertension (MPAP ≥ 20 mmHg) hit 71.68% of patients. Rates rose with age and OSA severity (P < 0.01). Males had mean RVSP of 39.4 mmHg and MPAP of 27.76 mmHg. Females showed 34.1 mmHg RVSP and 24.64 mmHg MPAP. Differences lacked statistical significance.
Strong Correlations with OSA Markers
AHI and oxygen desaturation index tied closely to PH measures. RVSP correlated at r = 0.677 with AHI. MPAP showed r = 0.543. These links highlight how bad OSA worsens lung pressures.
Quality of Life Takes a Hit
PH patients scored lower on WHOQOL-BREF, especially physical and psychological areas (P < 0.01). This shows PH not only strains the right ventricle but also cuts daily well-being. Echo limits noted over catheterization.