Neurológia pre prax 1/2016

Stroke and Sleep related breathing disorders

Sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD) are characterized by nocturnal hypoxemia. This hypoxemia induces sympathetic activation and consequently leads to cardiovascular complications. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a risk factor for obesity, hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias and stroke. SRBD may also arise as a result of stroke. The following article will discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of SRBD in relation to stroke. Raise of awareness about the relationship between SRBDDB and stroke should lead to the improvement of primary and secondary prevention of stroke and in particular to improve the prognosis of patients with stroke. This area is currently a part of the research and we are waiting for the results of large multicenter studies.

Keywords: respiratory disorders, stroke, sleep apnea