Krzysztof Narkiewicz
Professor Krzysztof Narkiewicz is Head of the Hypertension Unit at the Medical University in Gdansk, Poland. His research has been focused on the role of the sympathetic nervous system and metabolic factors in regulation of cardiovascular function in physiological and pathological states, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, renal diseases and obstructive sleep apnea. He is the Immediate Past President of the Scientific Council of the European Society of Hypertension (2009-2011).
There is growing recognition of the widespread incidence and health consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Over many decades, obstructive sleep apnea was linked mainly to impaired cognitive function and daytime somnolence. However, there is increasing evidence that OSA may also be related to cardiovascular and renal diseases. This review examines the evidence linking OSA with cardiovascular and renal morbidity, discusses potential mechanisms underlying this link, and presents the most important aspects of diagnostics and management of OSA.