Published online Jun 15, 2014. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i3.381
Revised: March 1, 2014
Accepted: May 16, 2014
Published online: June 15, 2014
Obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are some of the most common diseases encountered by the worldwide population, with high social and economic burdens. Significant emphasis has been placed on obtaining blood pressure, body mass index, and placing importance on screening for signs and symptoms pointing towards cardiovascular disease. Symptoms related to sleep, or screening for sleep apnea has been overlooked by cardiac, diabetic, pulmonary and general medicine clinics despite recommendations for screening by several societies. In recent years, there is mounting data where obesity and obstructive sleep apnea sit at the epicenter and its control can lead to improvement and prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular complications. This editorial raises questions as to why obstructive sleep apnea screening should be included as yet another vital sign during patient initial inpatient or outpatient visit.
Core tip: Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea are one of the most common chronic diseases involving population globally. Efforts have been directed towards prevention and public education about the disease process of each of this condition separately. Though these diseases are interlinked, but educational efforts are failing short to address them together.