Identification of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and cardiovascular diseases risks in patients attending primary care and assessment of their association

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the risks of Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in individuals applying to family health care center and to evaluate the relationship between risk levels of two conditions that are thought to be effective in the pathogenesis of each other. Materials and methods: The research was designed as a descriptive and analytical study. A total of 204 participants who applied to five different family health centers in Denizli for any reason were included in our study. The data used in the research were obtained from the survey questions we created, the STOP-BANG scale and the SCORE risk calculation system. Results: Of the participants, 25.5% are in the high-risk group for OSAS. In total 33.4% of the participants in the study have a high risk of CVD. There is a statistically significant relationship between the OSAS risk levels and CVD risk levels of the participants. Male gender, age, obesity, smoking and hypertension significantly increase both the risk of OSAS and the risk of CVD. Conclusion: One in four patients who applied to primary care for any reason were found to be at risk for OSAS. The majority of those in the high risk group for OSAS are in the high and very high risk groups for the cardiovascular system. Screening in primary care in terms of OSAS and CVD, two diseases with high prevalence and significant complications, can make a great contribution to both the individual's health status and public health.