Abstract
Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a recognized risk factor for ischemic stroke; however, there is a paucity of studies devoted to modifying stroke risk factors in patients with OSA. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and treatment of stroke risk factors in newly diagnosed OSA patients. Methods We evaluated consecutive patients with an OSA diagnosis made within 12 months and CHADS2 score of >2, consistent with high risk for atrial fibrillation. The patients completed polysomnography, sleep questionnaires, and systematic assessments for demographic variables, vascular risk factors, and medication use. Participants also completed up to four weeks of ambulatory cardiac monitoring. A six-month follow-up visit screened for new hospitalizations associated to vascular events and use of new anticoagulants or antiplatelet therapy. Results The sample consisted of 87 patients, mean age 59±8 years, 53% women, and 69% of Hispanic/Latino background. The mean BMI was 35±9. Hypertension was seen in 57% and diabetes mellitus in 33% of the sample. The mean apnea-hypopnea index was 41±27 events/hour. Atrial fibrillation was detected in 3% of the sample through prolonged monitoring. At six-month follow-up, 9% of the sample was hospitalized due to stroke, transient ischemic attack, or coronary artery disease, while 13% reported use of anticoagulants and 38% antiplatelet therapy. Conclusion In this high risk sample of OSA patients, there was a high prevalence of cerebrovascular events and use of medical treatment for secondary stroke prevention. Future studies evaluating the treatment of vascular risk factors in OSA can provide strategies to minimize stroke occurrence. Support Boehringer Ingelheim