Cardiac Microvascular Dysfunction- NO component

[joanincarolina]

I have severe cardiac MVD diagnosed by provocative testing in May 2008. I am very healthy otherwise at 64 with clear coronaries.I am nitro dependent 24/7 ( best etiology for me involves NO and endothelial because the nitro really helps). I also have variant vasopastic angina for which I take Cardizem.Profuse spasm of LAD caught on cath leading to arrest. My only complaint with sleep the past 14 months has been waking up with 'hot flashes'. I am tired, but no daytime sleepy complaints as the angina rules! I have been just diagnosed with severe OSA with first testing in 9 hours recording 711 episodes of apnea up to 34 seconds and low oxygen levels. I know the impact with this as a general cardiovascular/heart issue but what would be your comment on the NO component, sleep apnea and endothelial dysfunction of the cardiac microvessels? Thanks. Joan.

[Steven Y Park, MD]

It's likely that you've had obstructive sleep apnea for decades and as a result, it probably is a major factor in progression of your cardiovascular disease. OSA is known to aggravate almost every known cardiovascular issues including NO and endothelial dysfunction.

[joanincarolina]

Wow! I'm amazed. I did get an article from CHEST-Volume 133,issue 3, March 2008 and it states exactly what you stated. It helps me to understand what micro-level processes are going on with me and that this is another area of research.
Fourth night of CPAP, oximetery indicates no need for additional oxygen at this point and feeling rested this morning. This has changed my view on 'hot flashes'. Thank you so much. Joan.