Overcoming an underdiagnosed respiratory condition: should more patients with cardiovascular complications be screened for obstructive sleep apnea?

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep – remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Affecting nearly one billion adults globally, OSA is especially prevalent among patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. Diagnosis may be delayed due to atypical symptoms, particularly in women, and systematic healthcare barriers including fragmented care, limited provider training, and restricted access to specialized diagnostics. Untreated OSA contributes to an increased prevalence of resistant hypertension, recurrent arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation), stroke, and heart failure.