Published online Feb 16, 2016. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v4.i2.33
Peer-review started: June 17, 2015
First decision: September 29, 2015
Revised: October 14, 2015
Accepted: December 9, 2015
Article in press: December 11, 2015
Published online: February 16, 2016
Processing time: 223 Days and 13.9 Hours
Core tip: Sleep disorders including obstructive sleep apnea are associated with an increased risk for a number of cardiovascular diseases, notably acute cerebrovascular events. A number of studies have shown a high prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders in patients with stroke. A decrease in cerebral perfusion and increased coagulability related to metabolic, hematological and hemodynamic changes occuring in the presence of sleep-related breathing disorders are proposed as potential mechanisms in the pathogenesis of stroke. Early diagnosis and prompt therapeutic measures, including continuous positive airway pressure are necessary to reduce the stroke risk associated with sleep disorders. Sleep-related breating disorders should be considered modifiable risk factors for stroke, although they are frequenty underdiagnosed. The relationship between sleep breathing disorders and stroke should be further investigated for improving primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies and to contribute to reduce the global burden of stroke.