Does CPAP Prevent Adverse CV Events in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Two studies cast doubt on the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure for preventing adverse cardiovascular events.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at excess risk for adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. In 2016, two new studies shed light on the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on adverse CV events in such patients.

In one study, 2700 middle-aged adults (age range, 45–75) with OSA and cerebrovascular or coronary disease were randomized to CPAP plus usual care or usual care alone. Patients with severe daytime sleepiness were excluded. Average CPAP adherence was 3.3 hours per night, which significantly reduced the mean number of apnea or hypopnea events (from 29 events/hour to 3.7 events/hour). After a mean follow-up of 3.7 years, no significant difference was noted in the primary endpoint of CV-related death, my…

Author

Kirsten E. Fleischmann, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology/American Heart Association

Kirsten E. Fleischmann, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology/American Heart Association

Does CPAP Prevent Adverse CV Events in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

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