Defining the impact of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on diastolic function in adults with moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

SummaryAlthough studies have shown that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea improves left ventricular diastolic function, modifiers of improvement are unknown. We explored race and pre‐treatment 24‐h non‐dipping blood pressure status as modifiers of improved diastolic function. Participants (N = 220) with obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index ≥15 events/h) and hypertension were recruited to a cohort study that examined effects of 3‐month CPAP therapy on 24‐h blood pressure. Those who completed echocardiogram at baseline and follow‐up were included in this analysis. Diastolic function parameters (E, A, e′, E/A, E/e′) were assessed. Race was categorised to African American versus others. Participants were categorised as nocturnal dippers (night‐time blood pressure decrease by ≥10%) versus non‐dippers. We compared changes in parameters of diastolic function by race and nocturnal dipping status. A total of 92 participants were included. They were men (86%), African American (67.4%), and current smoker (29.5%). Mean apnea–hypopnea index was 32.9 events/h. Mean CPAP usage was 3.15 h/day. After 3 months of CPAP treatment, there were significant improvements in measures of diastolic function: a median (interquartile range [IQR]) increase in E velocity by 4.00 (−5.75 to 13.75) cm/s, an increase in e′ by 2.00 (0–4.00) cm/s, and a decrease in the E/e′ ratio by 1.74 (−4.27 to 0.00) at follow‐up (p < 0.05). These changes did not differ by race or nocturnal dipping status. Improvements in diastolic function after CPAP therapy did not differ by race or nocturnal dipping status. Further studies are needed to understand predictors of CPAP effects on diastolic function.