Which cardiovascular effect is associated with obstructive sleep apnea?

In the context of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), one significant cardiovascular effect is the increase in left ventricular mass. This condition leads to repeated episodes of hypoxia and reoxygenation, causing chronic stress on the heart. The body responds to these stressors by activating various neurohormonal pathways, particularly involving the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

As a result of these compensatory mechanisms, there is an increase in blood pressure and an increase in volume overload due to fluid retention. Over time, this chronic load can result in left ventricular hypertrophy, where the heart's left ventricle thickens to cope with the increased work demand. This thickening is a form of geometric remodeling and leads to an increase in left ventricular mass, contributing to various complications, including heart failure and arrhythmias.

The other options do not accurately describe the characteristic cardiovascular effects of obstructive sleep apnea. Decreased preload would not typically occur since OSA often leads to fluid retention and increased volume. Worsening left ventricular dysrhythmias may occur due to chronic changes in the heart but is not a direct association with OSA. Reduction in nocturnal neurohormonal activation is contrary to what occurs in O