Impact of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on myocardial performance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. A conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic study

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition related to several cardiovascular complications. We assessed the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on myocardial performance and various somatometric parameters in patients with severe OSA receiving CPAP. Materials and methods This is a prospective longitudinal study of 44 patients aged 55.8 ± 10.6 years (79.5 % men), with newly diagnosed moderate and severe OSA (apnea–hypopnea index ≥15 with polysomnographic evaluation). All patients enrolled received CPAP therapy. The study protocol included a complete conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic study at baseline and 12 months after CPAP treatment. Results Among patients enrolled, 31 completed the prespecified study protocol. After CPAP therapy, a decrease in pulmonary artery systolic pressure ( p