The Usefulness of Questionnaires in Assessing the Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients in the Managed Care after Acute Myocardial Infarction Program—The Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) worsens prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI) but often remains undiagnosed. The study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of questionnaires in assessing the risk of OSA in patients participating in managed care after an acute myocardial infarction program. Study group: 438 patients (349 (79.7%) men) aged 59.92 ± 10.92, hospitalized in the day treatment cardiac rehabilitation department 7–28 days after MI. OSA risk assessment: A 4-variable screening tool (4-V), STOP-BANG questionnaire, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and adjusted neck circumference (ANC). The home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) was performed on 275 participants. Based on four scales, a high risk of OSA was found in 283 (64.6%) responders, including 248 (56.6%) based on STOP-BANG, 163 (37.5%) based on ANC, 115 (26.3%) based on 4-V, and 45 (10.3%) based on ESS. OSA was confirmed in 186 (68.0%) participants: mild in 85 (30.9%), moderate in 53 (19.3%), and severe in 48 (17.5%). The questionnaires’ sensitivity and specificity in predicting moderate-to-severe OSA were: for STOP-BANG—79.21% (95% confidence interval; CI 70.0–86.6) and 35.67% (95% CI 28.2–43.7); ANC—61.39% (95% CI 51.2–70.9) and 61.15% (95% CI 53.1–68.8); 4-V—45.54% (95% CI 35.6–55.8) and 68.79% (95% CI 60.9–75.9); ESS—16.83% (95% CI 10.1–25.6) and 87.90% (95% CI 81.7–92.6). OSA is common in post-MI patients. The ANC most accurately estimates the risk of OSA eligible for positive airway pressure therapy. The sensitivity of the ESS in the post-MI population is insufficient and limits this scale’s usefulness in risk assessment and qualification for treatment.