Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and metabolic syndrome: a synergistic cardiovascular risk factor.

Purpose: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for adults in the United States. One risk factor for CVD is metabolic syndrome, which encompasses obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, proinflammatory state, and prothrombotic state. A lesser-understood risk factor is obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).