OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA AS A RISK FACTOR FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repetitive upper airway collapse, resulting in episodes of airflow interruption, intermittent hypoxia, and sleep fragmentation. This condition is associated with systemic repercussions, compromising quality of life. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between OSA and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, highlighting its clinical implications. An integrative literature review was carried out, with data search in the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases, using the descriptors "Sleep Apnea, Obstructive" AND "cardiovascular diseases" AND "risk factors". Inclusion criteria were articles published between 2020 and 2025, in Portuguese and English, observational studies and controlled clinical trials, with free full text. Seventeen studies were selected and the analysis indicated that OSA is linked to increased cardiovascular risk by causing intermittent hypoxemia, autonomic dysfunction, and metabolic comorbidities. OSA was associated with arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, and insulin resistance, factors that increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. It was concluded that OSA is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.