Left Ventricular Morphology and Systolic Function in Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Abstract

Background— Whether sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a risk factor for left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and dysfunction is controversial. We assessed the relation of SDB to LV morphology and systolic function in a community-based sample of middle-aged and older adults. Methods and Results— The present study was a cross-sectional observational study of 2058 Sleep Heart Health Study participants (mean age 65±12 years; 58% women; 44% ethnic minorities) who had technically adequate echocardiograms. A polysomnographically derived apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and hypoxemia index (percent of sleep time with oxyhemoglobin saturation 2.7 in participants with AHI 2.7 in participants with AHI ≥30 (n=84) events per hour. Compared with participants with AHI Conclusions— In a community-based cohort, SDB is associated with echocardiographic evidence of increased LV mass and reduced LV systolic function.