Effect of Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Men on Global Left Ventricular Myocardial Performance in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

The influence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on left ventricular function remains controversial. We examined the influence of OSAS on global left ventricular function using the myocardial performance index (Tei index) and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level and investigated the effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) on these parameters. We obtained echocardiographic indexes including the Tei index and BNP concentrations from 27 patients with OSAS whose mean apnea–hypopnea index was 42.2 ± 21.5 events/hour and who were undergoing nCPAP and from 22 control subjects. We defined global left ventricular dysfunction (GLVD) as a Tei index ≥0.50 and high BNP as ≥20 pg/ml. Compared with controls, the Tei index of patients with OSAS was significantly increased (p