Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition that is characterized by partial or complete collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The resulting apneas and hypopneas often lead to reduction in oxyhemoglobin saturation and recurrent arousals from sleep. Aside from the obvious complaints of daytime fatigue and excessive sleepiness, OSA is also associated with impaired cognitive function, poor work performance, increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, and a constellation of problems in daily living that diminish quality of life. Although the clinical syndrome of OSA has been known for decades, the potential morbidity and mortality associated with OSA has being increasingly recognized only recently and the means to efficiently diagnose the condition have becoming readily available. Newly available data on the population prevalence of OSA reveals the millions of people worldwide are affected with this condition with a majority of them being undiagnosed. The high burden of OSA has motivated collection of empirical evidence to answer pressing questions regarding the clinical consequences of OSA, particularly its effects on hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The primary objective of this presentation is to review the scientific progress made over the last decade on the negative impact of OSA on hypertension, cardiovascular disease, glucose metabolism, and all-cause mortality. Within the context of this presentation, some of the most pivotal findings available to date from epidemiological studies, randomized clinical trials, and experimental studies will be highlighted to emphasize the clinical significance of OSA for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, glucose metabolism, stroke, and all-cause mortality. It is this burgeoning evidence base that is motivating the need for all health care professionals to identify and treat OSA early in its clinical course.

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