Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). The present study evaluated the prevalence of OSA and factors associated with OSA risk in Thai patients with severe symptomatic AS.
Materials and Methods: Patients with severe symptomatic AS were screened for OSA using the STOP-Bang questionnaire prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Patients were classified into low, intermediate, and high risk groups in accordance with the STOP-Bang score. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and echocardiographic parameters were recorded.
Results: Of 24 patients (median age: 79 years; 54.2% male) included in the present study, 22 (91.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 74.2% to 97.7%) had an intermediate-to-high risk of moderate-to-severe OSA. Male gender (odds ratio (OR) 22.5, 95% CI 2.1 to 240.5; p=0.005), current or former smokers (OR 8.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 55.0, p=0.035), and hypertension (OR 21.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 427.0, p=0.019) were significantly associated with a high risk of moderate-to-severe OSA.
Conclusion: The prevalence of OSA is high among Thai patients with severe symptomatic AS. Major factors associated with the risk of OSA include male gender, current or former smokers, and a history of hypertension.

Keywords: Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, Obstructive sleep apnea, STOP-Bang questionnaire