Abstract

Introduction Several studies have suggested that sleep apnea syndrome is extremely frequent in the elderly. In Spain, apnea hypopnea syndrome during sleep affects 2–6% of the middle-aged population and 15–20% of individuals between 70 and 100 years of age, representing millions of people in our country. Because this disease is so prevalent, it is essential to study the differential characteristics of SAHS in the elderly. Objective: Analyze the differential characteristics of sleep apnea syndrome in older patients. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective study collecting data from patients evaluated in the respiratory sleep disorders unit, during the years 2006–2011. Results A total of 146 patients were analyzed, 77 ⩾ 60 years. The gender was similar in both groups (70% of men ⩾ 60 years. Body mass index was similar in both groups. The elderly group had higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes. Sleep studies features were similar in both groups (RDI 25.8 younger group vs 26.9 older group). Conclusion In our cohort of patients, we did not find significant differences in clinical presentation, or sleep study profile. These findings could be justified perhaps by studying a group of patients not excessively old. Moreover, our older patients were more hypertensive and diabetic, justifying the need for closer monitoring.

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