Relationship of obstructive sleep apnea and cardiometabolic risk factors in elderly patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm

Purpose This study seeks to determine the risks for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiometabolic disease (CMR) in elderly patients with mild-moderate abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Methods Three hundred two elderly patients with diagnosed small AAA disease were subjects. CMR was assessed by several biomarkers, with special focus on the Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and the Triglyceride-Glucose Index (TyG Index), two validated screening indicators of CMR related to central obesity and insulin resistance, respectively. Analysis of OSA risk was assessed with the Berlin Questionnaire. Results The patients (60.6 %) had increased risk of OSA; those at high risk also were at increased ( p < 0.05) risk for CMR (15/25 biomarkers). Conclusions As a group, elderly AAA patients are at risk for both OSA and cardiometabolic disease. Given that OSA and CMR may both amplify risk for AAA expansion, these patients should be screened for OSA, and when indicated, referred for definitive evaluation and treatment.