Heart rate variability and obstructive sleep apnea: Current perspectives and novel technologies

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition, resulting in recurrent hypoxic events, sleep arousal, and daytime sleepiness. Patients with OSA are at an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying the development of cardiovascular disease in OSA are multifactorial and cause a cascade of events. The primary contributing factor is sympathetic overactivity. Heart rate variability (HRV) can be used to evaluate shifts in the autonomic nervous system, during sleep and in response to treatment in patients with OSA. Newer technologies are aimed at improving HRV analysis to accelerate processing time, improve the diagnosis of OSA, and detection of cardiovascular risk. The present review will present contemporary understandings and uses for HRV, specifically in the realms of physiology, technology, and clinical management.

Automated summary

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, with sympathetic overactivity being a primary contributing factor. Heart rate variability (HRV) can evaluate shifts in the autonomic nervous system, aiding in treatment response and cardiovascular risk detection in OSA patients. New technologies aim to enhance HRV analysis efficiency for quicker processing, improved diagnosis of OSA, and better detection of cardiovascular risk.