During drug-induced sleep endoscopy, patients receive sedation (IV Propofol) administered by an anesthetist in the operating room. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been identified as a significant cause of and can lead to cardiovascular disease. OSA has been shown to increase the risk for hypertension, pulmonary vascular disease, ischemic heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Pulmonary hypertension is a lung disorder in which the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs become narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through the vessels. As a result, the blood pressure in these arteries -- called pulmonary arteries -- rises far above normal levels. This abnormally high pressure strains the right ventricle of the heart, causing it to expand in size. Overworked and enlarged, the right ventricle gradually becomes weaker and loses its ability to pump enough blood to the lungs. This could lead to the development of right heart failure.Obstructive sleep apnea can also lead to the development of pulmonary hypertension. |