Association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Ischemic Stroke: A Case-Control Study
Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Ischemic Stroke
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i1.3652Keywords:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, PolysomnographyAbstract
Previous evidence has suggested an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. There is, however, little data examining the prevalence and severity of OSA among individuals with ischemic stroke, specifically within Pakistan. Objectives: To determine if the prevalence and severity of OSA were significantly higher in individuals with ischemic stroke compared to age and gender matched control participants without a stroke. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital. A total of 184 individuals were enrolled in the study. The study consisted of 92 individuals diagnosed with ischemic stroke supported by radiographic evidence and 92 individuals without cerebrovascular disease, all matched for age and sex. Clinical and demographic data were collected using a standard questionnaire. Participants who scored ≥3 on the STOP-BANG questionnaire were referred for Type III daytime portable polysomnography testing. Results: Participants with ischemic stroke had significantly higher rates of OSA (AHI ≥5) than controls (80.4% in stroke vs 50.0% in controls, p<0.0001). The incidence of severe OSA in stroke participants was 26.1% compared to only 6.5% of control participants. Conclusions: Many patients who experience an ischemic stroke also have OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), and OSA increases the risk of having a stroke independent of the actual ischemic stroke. This evidence supports the use of OSA screening and treatment as part of their prevention strategies against future strokes.
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