Title:Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome and Overlap Syndrome
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Author(s): A. Voulgaris, K. Archontogeorgis, P. Steiropoulos and N. Papanas*
Affiliation:
- Diabetes Centre, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis,Greece
Keywords:
Cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnoea
syndrome, overlap syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, pulmonary hypertension, stroke.
Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
(OSAS) are among the most prevalent chronic respiratory disorders. Accumulating data suggest that
there is a significant burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with COPD and OSAS, affecting
negatively patients’ quality of life and survival. Overlap syndrome (OS), i.e. the co-existence of
both COPD and OSAS in the same patient, has an additional impact on the cardiovascular system multiplying
the risk of morbidity and mortality. The underlying mechanisms for the development of CVD in
patients with either OSAS or COPD and OS are not entirely elucidated. Several mechanisms, in addition
to smoking and obesity, may be implicated, including systemic inflammation, increased sympathetic
activity, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Early diagnosis and proper management of these
patients might reduce cardiovascular risk and improve patients' survival. In this review, we summarize
the current knowledge regarding epidemiological aspects, pathophysiological mechanisms and present
point-to-point specific associations between COPD, OSAS, OS and components of CVD, namely, pulmonary
hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease and stroke.
