Increased platelet activation in sleep apnea subjects with intermittent hypoxemia.

Purpose: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is independently associated with increased risk for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Since activated platelets play an important role in cardiovascular disease, the objective of this study was to determine whether platelet reactivity was altered in OSA subjects with intermittent nocturnal hypoxemia.

Methods: Thirty-one subjects, without hypertension or cardiovascular disease and not taking medication, participated in the study.