Risk of Subsequent Cardiovascular Events Among Medicare Beneficiaries Diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but it remains uncertain whether treatment with Continuous Airway Pressure (CPAP) can prevent major cardiovascular (CV) events, especially among older adults. Research Objective: To estimate the incidence of CV events among older Medicare beneficiaries, with and without pre-existing CVD, who initiated CPAP therapy following OSA diagnosis.