About this Research Topic
It is estimated that across the world over 1 billion people experience mild to severe sleep apnea symptoms. This disorder is characterized by breathing stopping and starting during sleep. As patients experience insufficient and fragmented sleep, these disruptions can negatively impact heart health. It has been estimated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of heart failure by 140%, coronary heart disease by 30%, and stroke by 60%. With high prevalence of sleep apnea across the world, the high levels of co-occurrence with cardiovascular disease is a growing concern.
Sleep apnea increases the risk of cardiovascular disease independently of demographic characteristics (eg. age, sex or race) and risk factors (eg, smoking, alcohol consumption and diabetes). This suggests that sleep apnea contributes to the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of the cardiovascular disease. During sleep, heart rate and blood pressure drop but when these processes are interrupted and started again the ability to rest and recuperate during sleep is impaired leaving more stress on the body. There are several biological pathways through which interrupted breathing is thought to negatively impact the cardiovascular system. The activation of the sympathetic nervous system, changes in the pressure within the chest cavity, and increased levels of oxidative stress promoting inflammation. Despite recent advances, multiple aspects still need to be addressed for a complete understanding of the relationship between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease, the underlying biological mechanisms, and subsequent treatment and prevention strategies.
Goal
In this Research Topic, Frontiers in Sleep is looking to address key aspects of the relationship between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease in order to promote the discussion around this topic and to facilitate treatment and prevention strategies.
Scope and information for Authors
We particularly welcome submission of Original Research, Review, Methods, and Perspective articles on the following sub-topics:
- Advances toward precision medicine for cardiovascular disease and sleep apnea.
- Current advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning for cardiovascular disease and sleep apnea
- Mechanisms of cardiovascular disease onset and progression in sleep apnea.
Keywords: sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.