Aortic root size and sleep apnea in elderly: A cohort study

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could affect functional and structural properties of large arteries [ [1] Tanriverdi H. Evrengul H. Kaftan A. et al. Effect of obstructive sleep apnea on aortic elastic parameters: relationship to left ventricular mass and function. Circ J. 2006; 70: 737-743 Crossref PubMed Scopus (30) Google Scholar ] and that sleep-related breathing disorders could be involved in aortic root dilatation. Several pathophysiological mechanisms could explain such a relationship. An increase of sympathetic nerve activity occurs during night in OSA, inducing repeated rises in blood pressure (BP) which may enhance the risk of aortic dilatation. Another plausible explanation relates to an increase of negative intrathoracic pressure during inspiratory efforts against occluded upper airway during apneic episodes. These pressures are transmitted to intrathoracic structures, including aorta and may favor aortic expansion [ [2] Cistulli P.A. Wilcox I. Jeremy R. Sullivan C.E. aortic root dilatation in Marfan's syndrome: a contribution from obstructive sleep apnea?. Chest. 1997; 111: 1763-1766 Crossref PubMed Scopus (35) Google Scholar ]. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in a cohort of subjects from an elderly general population, the impact of OSA on aortic root size.