Background:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse and obstruction during sleep. These episodes of obstruction are associated with recurrent oxyhemoglobin desaturations and arousals from sleep. OSA associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is commonly called obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Despite being a common disease, most primary care physicians in the United States underrecognize OSAHS; an estimated 80% of Americans with OSAHS are not diagnosed. Although its prevalence may vary in different populations and age groups, it has been estimated that OSA affects 24% and 9% of middle-aged men and women respectively (1). The prevalence of sleep apnea in young African Americans (<25 years of age) appears to be greater than in white Americans. Recent evidence indicates that the prevalence in older age groups is similar between African Americans and white Americans, but the OSA is more severe in African Americans (i.e. African Americans have higher AHIs). Click here for the article

Article Link: The Link between Morbid Obesity and Sleep Apnea (Adobe Pdf)

Author: Elliot R. Goodman, MD, Director, Beth Israel Center for Obesity Surgery

Copyright: © 2006 Elliot R. Goodman, MD, Director, Beth Israel Center for Obesity Surgery