C-Pap use, heart and RVSP numbers

[Solar Rays]

Hello,
I was dx with mitral valve regurgitation and my cardiologist told me that apnea causes the RVSP numbers to increase which was shown on an echocardiogram.  I started using a C-Pap recently and it supposed to reduce the numbers and was wondering if any of you have had this issue?
Thank You.

[Matt00926]

AFAIK the RVSP is an indirect way of estimating the pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). Elevated PAP due to OSA is because of the hypoxemia/vasoconstriction that occurs when gas exchange is not proper.

Basically, during apnea/hypopnea, the reduction in airflow causes lower oxygen, and higher than normal elevations of carbon dioxide. This occurs chronically if you have untreated OSA, every night, and over time results in stiffening and dilation of the pulmonary artery, etc, causing your heart to work harder to produce the same work load.

Eventually your vascular system can remodel itself in a bad way, adapting as best as it can to this harmful process.

Proper OSA treatment puts an end to this vicious cycle. By fixing the hypoxemia, the vasoconstriction becomes reversed and with time the PAP should reduce to normal levels.

[Solar Rays]

Thank you for your encouragement.

[Matt00926]

No problem. Stick with the therapy and let us know if we can help!