The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is largely the result of myocardial anomalies. In this Review, the authors discuss the mechanisms that lead to myocardial damage and cardiac dysfunction in patients with OSA, and the potential beneficial effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure on cardiac symptoms and hemodynamic parameters in these patients.
- Jean-Philippe Baguet
- Gilles Barone-Rochette
- Jean-Louis Pépin