J Thorac Dis. 2025 Sep 30;17(9):6689-6700. doi: 10.21037/jtd-24-524. Epub 2025 Sep 22.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The idea of Holistic Integrative Physiology and Medicine (HIPM) emphasizes integrated regulation, supporting the interconnected systems of respiration, circulation, and metabolism. This study aims to investigate the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the physiological functions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
METHODS: This self-controlled cohort study evaluated 20 patients with OSA for 48 hours using polysomnography (PSG). Natural sleep patterns were recorded on the first night of monitoring to provide baseline physiological data. Patients were instructed to utilize CPAP on the second night. The study involved a thorough analysis and calculation of a range of physiological parameters, including those related to respiratory, circulatory, and sleep parameters. To determine how CPAP affected each patient's circulatory parameters, statistical comparisons were done between normal sleep and CPAP therapy.
RESULTS: After the CPAP titration, OSA patients' respiratory and circulatory parameters improved significantly on the second night. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) decreased to 4.82±3.90 events/h, heart rate (HR) averaged 60.25±7.08 bpm, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 98.46±17.66 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 66.44±14.24 mmHg. Compared to the first night, these values significantly decreased (all P<0.001). In addition, circulatory parameter variability improved significantly (all P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: For patients with OSA, CPAP effectively reduces sleep apnea and related hypoxia. Moreover, it significantly improves circulatory parameters, indicating its potential as a long-term therapeutic solution.
PMID:41158344 | PMC:PMC12557664 | DOI:10.21037/jtd-24-524