Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects over 900 million adults globally, with more than 30 million in the United States undiagnosed. Impacts include increased cardiovascular risks, diabetes, and excessive sleepiness. Factors leading to underdiagnosis consist of overlooked non-obese patients, women's atypical symptom presentation, limited training among primary care providers, and significant disparities among African Americans. Diagnostic delays often stem from cultural stigmas associated with weight and snoring, leading to fewer patients seeking necessary medical evaluations.
"Over 900 million adults globally are estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In the United States, more than 30 million adults are affected, yet 80-90% remain undiagnosed."
"Women with sleep apnea are less likely to report snoring and more likely to present with fatigue and insomnia, leading to diagnostic delays."
"African Americans are at high risk for sleep apnea, and relatedly have significant cardiovascular risk. Yet healthcare access and cultural stigma seem to contribute to only 5% of African Americans being diagnosed with sleep apnea."
Collection
[
|
...
]