Mechanisms and Clinical Significance of PVCs in OSA Patients

Prevalence and Association

The general adult population without OSA has a baseline prevalence of OSA itself of approximately 15% in men and 5% in women, according to the American Geriatrics Society 1, 2

Repetitive hypoxemia during apneic episodes triggers oxidative stress and myocardial injury, contributing to PVCs 4
Autonomic nervous system dysregulation with surges in sympathetic activity and blood pressure fluctuations during arousal from apnea contributes to PVCs 3, 4
Intrathoracic pressure swings that alter cardiac loading conditions contribute to PVCs 3
Systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction promote arrhythmogenesis, leading to PVCs 4

OSA has been associated with a 70% relative increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as reported by the European Heart Journal 4
Clinicians should maintain high suspicion for OSA in patients presenting with PVCs who have cardiovascular comorbidities, metabolic disorders, classic OSA symptoms, or demographic factors, according to the American Geriatrics Society 1, 3