Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent and underdiagnosed sleep disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia and fragmented sleep. This condition is closely associated with obesity and is more common in men than women. Clinically, OSA manifests through symptoms such as loud snoring, choking episodes during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. However, these signs are not pathognomonic, necessitating comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, typically through polysomnography. Untreated OSA has significant implications for various organ systems. Cardiovascularly, it is linked to systemic and pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Pulmonary complications can include chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Neurocognitively, OSA is associated with cognitive deficits, mood disorders, and an elevated risk of motor vehicle accidents due to impaired alertness. The increasing prevalence of OSA underscores the need for heightened awareness and early intervention to prevent its associated morbidities. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and current management strategies for OSA, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in its management

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