| Theme | Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Cardiovascular disease and SAS | |
| Publish Date | 2002/02 | |
| Author | Satoshi Ikeda | The Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine |
| Author | Yoshiyuki Miyahara | The Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine |
| Author | Shigeru Kohno | The Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | Recently, several epidemiologic studies have revealed that sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), especially obstructive SAS (OSAS), is a complication associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and is also an independent risk factor for them. The mechanism for development of CVD is mainly due to a decrease in intrathoracic pressure and hypoxemia during sleep apnea. The decrease in intrathoracic pressure directly induces hemodynamic changes. Hypoxemia results in an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity, changes in vasoactive substances released and changes in platelet functioning. In this way, many factors may be associated with development of CVD. We considered CVD to be an important indicator, related to the mortality and the morbidity of SAS. | |