Cardiovascular impact and symptom profile of obstructive sleep apnea: does gender matter?

Background: There are data suggesting that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has different cardiovascular risk and clinical presentation profile in females. Objective: To evaluate the influence of gender on OSA-related symptoms and prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a large population of patients. Methods: 6716 patients (24% women) undergone polysomnography and completed the Epworth sleepiness scale and Beck Depression Inventory. We investigated the predictive value of gender on associated symptoms and prevalent cardiovascular disease, after adjustment for confounding factors including gender, age, obesity and comorbidities. Results: Women were older than men and had a higher body mass index (BMI); however, men had a thicker neck circumference, a higher waist-to-hip ratio and increased OSA severity. Female gender independently predicted prevalent CVD after adjustment [OR (95% CI) 1.36 (1.08–1.70), p=0.008]. Men independently were more likely to report driving problems [OR (95% CI) 3.083 (2.430–3.913), p 16) [OR (95% CI) 1.61 (1.32–1.98), p Conclusion: Female gender was associated with an independent 36% risk increase for CVD and less typical OSA symptoms.