Current Evidence on Cardiovascular Risks in Female Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exhibits distinct features in women across the lifespan, largely driven by hormonally mediated changes in sleep and respiratory physiology. Women remain under-represented in research cohorts, and few studies are designed to investigate sex-specific differences. Because of atypical clinical presentations related to menstrual cycling and lower anthropometric indices, OSA in women is frequently underdiagnosed in clinical practice. Women with OSA have higher risks of cardiovascular disease, mortality, and health and welfare costs than men, with disparities evident both before and after diagnosis.