Abstract
Purpose of ReviewSleep-disordered breathing results in physiological changes that may affect various organs of the body, including the cardiovascular system. In this article, we critically review studies that have examined the prevalence and pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) and the impact of positive airway pressure therapy on cardiac function in patients with OHS.Recent FindingsAlthough data regarding the prevalence of PH and LVDD in patients with OHS are limited, the available data indicate that these entities are common in patients with OHS. Previous studies have reported that the prevalence rates of PH and LVDD among patients with OHS are 50-88% and 50-70%, respectively. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the cardiovascular complications experienced by patients with OHS, including obesity, recurrent obstructive events, sustained hypoxemia, and systemic inflammation. However, there is limited evidence regarding the effects of positive airway pressure therapy on PH and LVDD in this patient population. Nonetheless, recent studies have suggested that positive airway pressure therapy improves pulmonary artery pressure and LVDD in patients with OHS.SummaryAvailable data suggest that PH and LVDD are common in patients with OHS. Recent research has suggested that positive airway pressure therapy improves PAP and LVDD in patients with OHS and severe OSA.