Abstract
Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstructions during sleep. This leads to the dysfunction of many systems, especially the cardiovascular system. A few recent studies suggest that OSA is independently associated with dyslipidemia.

Aims and Objectives: The current study aimed to determine to what extent OSA is independently contributing to changes in lipid levels.

Materials and Methods: Polysomnography was done for patients with OSA symptoms and were grouped into – OSA patients (AHI [apnea-hypopnea index] ≥5) and controls (AHI <5). The independent effect of exposure variables (age, body mass index, AHI, etc.) on the outcome variable (lipid levels) was studied using Linear regression analysis.

Results: Triglyceride level was significantly high in OSA patients (171.94 ± 57.65) compared to the control group (136.26 ± 30.25) (P = 0.002). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level was significantly low in OSA patients (38.70 ± 6.76) compared to the control group (48.90 ± 8.79) (P = 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that for each unit change in AHI, triglyceride changes by 1.167 (P = 0.001), HDL changes by −0.162 (P = 0.004), independent of other factors.

Conclusion: The current study showed the independent contribution of AHI (polysomnographic parameter of OSA) to the changes in lipid levels seen in patients with OSA. Since OSA is a highly underdiagnosed condition, the current study emphasizes the importance of screening for OSA so that with early diagnosis and prompt treatment, the development and progression of cardiovascular risk factors like dyslipidemia can be reduced.

Key words: Obstructive Sleep Apnea; Sleep Apnea; Dyslipidemia; Lipid Profile; Sleep Fragmentation