Apnea obstructiva del sueño en pacientes con obesidad: revisión bibliográfica

Jéssica Alexandra Macas Paladines; Katherine Litzay Astudillo Chavez; Elizabeth Miranda Velázquez

doi:10.70577/asce.v5i2.875

Authors

Jéssica Alexandra Macas Paladines Universidad Técnica de Machala https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1387-1545
Katherine Litzay Astudillo Chavez Universidad Técnica de Machala https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7039-9939
Elizabeth Miranda Velázquez Universidad Técnica de Machala https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9591-9885

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i2.875

Keywords:

obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, cardiovascular risk, hypoxemia, polysomnography.

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common respiratory disorder, especially in obese patients, associated with significant ventilatory impairment and a substantial increase in cardiovascular risk. The aim of this research was to analyze the relationship between obesity and OSA, as well as its impact on ventilatory function and the development of cardiovascular complications.

A descriptive and analytical literature review was conducted, based on the compilation of scientific evidence from databases such as PubMed, SciELO, Redalyc, and ScienceDirect, prioritizing recent studies on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of OSA in obese adults.

The findings show that the accumulation of adipose tissue in the upper airway and altered pharyngeal muscle tone promote respiratory collapse during sleep, causing intermittent hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation. These mechanisms trigger oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and neurohormonal activation, increasing the incidence of hypertension, arrhythmias, heart failure, and cerebrovascular events. Furthermore, significant underdiagnosis and limitations in access to tests such as polysomnography were identified.

In conclusion, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese patients constitutes a relevant public health problem that requires early diagnosis and a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and personalized strategies to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

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