Last Updated on February 22, 2025 by Analgesia team
OHS Medical Procedure
OHS stands for obesity hypoventilation syndrome, a breathing disorder that can occur in people who are obese.
OHS is characterized by:
- Hypoventilation: Breathing at an abnormally slow rate, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia).
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Many people with OHS also have OSA, which causes periods of absence or reduced breathing during sleep.
- Daytime Sleepiness: Elevated carbon dioxide levels can cause drowsiness and excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Heart Strain: The condition can strain the heart, potentially leading to heart failure and leg swelling.
OHS can lead to: Lower oxygen levels in the blood, Higher carbon dioxide levels in the blood, A higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and Early mortality.
Symptoms of OHS include:
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Swelling in the legs and abdomen
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Chest pain during exercise
OHS Causes
-
- Excess fat around the neck, chest, and belly can make it harder to breathe deeply
- Excess fat can also produce hormones that affect breathing patterns
- A brain defect that affects breathing control
Risk factors Increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death and Lower quality of life
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve patient outcomes