Understanding the AHI index
[parts of this thread were copied from the old forum]
midwayranch Wrote:I have a Apnea index of 5.5 and a hypopnea index of 18.6. The combined AHI index is 24.1 but where is a chart that explains where that falls in terms of severity?
RE: Understanding the AHI index
There are no conclusive answers for what constitutes mild, moderate or severe Sleep Apnea. There seems to be a degree of consensus on the ranges; however, opinions do vary amongst professionals.
Generally speaking, here's the consensus opinion:
AHI < 5/h = No Sleep Apnea
AHI 5 to < 15/h = Mild Sleep Apnea - (some say that 5-10 would be called "borderline OSA")
AHI 15 to < 30/h = Moderate Sleep Apnea
AHI > or = 30/h = Severe Sleep Apnea
So, under these guidelines, your OSA would be moderate Sleep Apnea (albeit on the higher side).
But don't read too much into the numbers. Your numbers can and will change as your body, age and medical conditions change, and there is quite a bit of variance between various sleep centers, their equipment and ability to accurately determine these numbers. More important is that you get treated and that you feel better.
SuperSleeper
Apnea Board Administrator
www.ApneaBoard.com
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
