A Spanish study indicates that severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) appears to be associated with cardiovascular death in women, but this risk may be reduced with adequate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. When compared with controls, the hazard ratio for cardiovascular mortality was 3.50 for untreated, severe OSA, but decreased to 0.55 when CPAP was used for this patient group.

Abstract: Annals of Internal Medicine, January 17, 2012.

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