Sleep and breathing disorders

State of the art session
Chairs: S. Schiza (Heraklion, Greece), W. Randerath (Solingen, Germany), M. Sanchez De La Torre (Lleida, Spain)
Aims: to summarise the current knowledge of the impact of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) on cardiovascular complications; to explain the link between the hypoxic burden, associated intracellular mechanisms and cardiovascular comorbidities; to describe critical endpoints of OSA including cardiovascular morbidity, mortality and patient-related outcome measures; to summarise current evidence of the effects of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment on cardiovascular endpoints; to critically discuss the limitations and strengths of current trials; to define future research needs.

The hypoxic burden and intracellular mechanisms S. Ryan (Dublin, Ireland)
What endpoints really matter? The clinical relevance of morbidity, mortality and patient-related outcome measures G. Parati (Milano, Italy)
Appraisal and critical review of the effects of PAP treatment on cardiovascular endpoints A. Simonds (London, United Kingdom)
The future of sleep science: what are the correct targets, outcome parameters, innovative studies and methodologies? R. Heinzer (Lausanne, Switzerland)
Discussion and Q&A