Sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common comorbidity in a number of cardiovascular diseases, and mounting clinical evidence demonstrates that it has important implications in the long-term outcomes of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). While recognition among clinicians of the role of SDB in CVD is increasing, it too often remains neglected in the routine care of patients with CVD, and therefore remains widely undiagnosed and untreated. In this article, we provide an overview of SDB and its relationship to CVD, with the goal of helping cardiovascular clinicians better recognize and treat this important comorbidity in their patients. We will describe the two major types of SDB and discuss the pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations of SDB in patients with CVD.