A new approach using two physiological markers may better predict cardiovascular benefits of CPAP for OSAS patients than the traditional AHI metric.
AHI no longer reliable for predicting CV risk
The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), a commonly used measure for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), is no longer considered sufficient to accurately predict the cardiovascular (CV) risk associated with the condition or to determine which patients will benefit most from treatment.New markers introduced at the congress
At the recent congress, researchers presented a new approach that uses two additional physiological markers: the specific hypoxic burden of OSAS (SASHB) and the heart rate response (ΔHR). These markers aim to provide a more accurate assessment of a patient’s condition.Biomarkers better identify CPAP benefits
The two new biomarkers, SASHB and ΔHR, have shown potential to better identify patients who are likely to benefit from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in terms of improving their cardiovascular health compared to the AHI.Research highlights need for updated diagnostic tools
The findings suggest that current diagnostic tools may need to be updated to include these new markers for more effective treatment planning and better outcomes in patients with OSAS.
