Obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular risk in children

Abstract

Obstructive sleep breathing disorders in children encompasses a wide range of pathological conditions, among which obstructive sleep apnea is the most severe disorder. The paper gives data on a relationship of the above disorder to the higher risk for childhood cardiovascular disease. It indicates the link of obstructive sleep apnea to impaired autonomic regulation, which manifests itself as hypersympaticotonia determined by cardiac rhythm characteristics, metabolic parameters, and blood pressure levels. Myocardial electrical instability is detected, which appears as increased QT interval dispersion on ECG. The observed changes raise the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Obstructive sleep apnea in children is accompanied by increases in vascular tone and blood pressure, change in the endothelial structure, and activation of a systemic inflammatory response, which contributes to atherogenetic processes. The above disorders can be persistent if timely treatment is absent. The diagnosis and correction of obstructive sleep apnea in children are constituents in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.