Sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract

Different aspects of the sleep apnea síndrome (SAS) are described, including history, clinical manifestations, clinical forms (obstructive, central and mixed), cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and other complications and treatment. With the use of the polysomnogram it has been possible to define non-specific symptoms as due to SAS and to quantitate their seriousness. Different therapeutic approaches are described, both local and systemic, with emphasis on the benefits obtained from the use of positive pressure breathing machines which control every manifestation of the syndrome and avoid the increased cardiovascular risks aswell as work and traffic accidents. This syndrome is important in terms of frequency and of increased death risk.