Underdiagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea in peripheral arterial disease

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has been interdependently related to the onset and progression of a large portion of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disorders. In due consideration of OSA-mediated endothelial dysfunction, its impact on peripheral artery disease (PAD) is conceivable, but undefined. Objectives: To identify the prevalence of OSA in a lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) study population. Methods: 91 patients receiving in- and outpatient treatment for LEAD were included in this prospectively conducted trial. Additionally to angiologic examination, all patients underwent nocturnal screenin…