CPAP for the Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) has been called a major epidemic over the course of the last few years. It includes the following constellation of findings: an abnormal lipid profile, insulin resistance, midline obesity, and coronary artery narrowing from a process known as atherosclerosis. Metabolic syndrome is important because it is the precursor for more serious conditions such as heart attacks, diabetes, and strokes. Identifying and addressing metabolic syndrome, therefore, can help prevent progression to one or more severe health problems. This article confirms the strong relationship between metabolic syndrome and sleep apnea. It also demonstrates that treating sleep apnea in patients with metabolic syndrome can reverse each of the metabolic abnormalities and independently also improve blood pressure control.