Apnea del sueño: implicaciones cardiovasculares y tratamiento con máquinas de presión positiva continua (cpap) en latinoamérica Sleep apnea: cardiovascular implications and treatment with continuous positive pressure (cpap) machines in latin america
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disorder characterized by recurrent pharyngeal collapses that induce intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, acting as a critical catalyst for cardiovascular pathologies globally and in Latin America. This study aims to analyze the relationship between OSA and cardiac complications while evaluating the efficacy and barriers of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment in the region. To achieve this, a narrative review of the scientific literature was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases between February and March 2026. Results highlight that OSA exhibits a prevalence of up to 90% in patients with resistant hypertension. CPAP therapy demonstrates a significant reduction in blood pressure and the risk of atrial fibrillation. However, compliance in Latin America is low (40-60%) due to high out-of-pocket costs and a lack of coverage in public health systems. Consequently, a critical gap remains between clinical efficacy and real-world implementation. The scarcity of sleep laboratories and high equipment costs (USD 500-3,000) render OSA an underdiagnosed risk factor that escalates hospital expenditures due to preventable myocardial infarctions and strokes. OSA represents a major diagnostic challenge for public health. CPAP therapy stands as an essential, cost-beneficial intervention to mitigate the regional cardiovascular burden, provided that financial access and clinical follow-up are guaranteed.
Source: Revista GICOS
Language: Spanish
Subfield: Physiology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7216907355