Risk Factors and Comorbidities in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome Patients

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a prevalent disorder linked to metabolic and cardiovascular morbidity. This study aimed to improve outcomes and survival in patients with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome by identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, records of 500 adults with polysomnography-confirmed OSAHS were reviewed. Demographics, comorbidities, anthropometric indices, validated screening scores (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS], STOP-BANG, Berlin), and full polysomnographic parameters were analyzed. Result: Severe OSA was present in 250 patients (50%), moderate in 126 (25.2%), and mild in 124 (24.8%). Hypertension (38.4%) was the most common comorbidity. Median ESS was 10 (IQR 6–13); mean STOP-BANG 5.15 ± 1.56. Increasing OSA severity correlated significantly with male sex, older age, higher BMI, and larger neck circumference (all p < 0.01). Severe disease showed lower sleep efficiency, reduced baseline and minimum oxygen saturation, and higher respiratory disturbance index (all p < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of severe OSA included male sex (AOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.42–3.58), higher ESS (AOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11), higher STOP-BANG (AOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.28–1.80), and lower minimum O₂ (AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.87–0.91); history of ischemic heart disease and prior stroke were inversely associated. Conclusion: Male gender, advancing age, elevated BMI, larger neck circumference, and hypertension are key risk factors for both presence and severity of OSAHS. Incorporating these demographic and clinical variables into screening can help prioritize patients for diagnostic testing and early management.