Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome. Part I. Pathofysiology

Overview

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is a disorder characterised byrecurring episodes of sleep apnoea, which are caused by obstruction of the upper airway. Therecurring cessation of breathing is accompanied by hypoxaemia, hypertension, strong snoring,repeated awaking from sleep and overall activation of the sympathetic part of the vegetativenervous system. Patients suffering from the disorder are exposed to an increased risk ofmyocardial infarction, apoplexy, malignant arrhythmia, hypertension and accelerated onset ofatherosclerosis.

Key words:
obstructive sleep apnea – pathofysiology