Does Nasal Obstruction Increase Heart Rate?

  Nasal obstruction is implicated in the etiopathogenesis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is associated with mean heart rate (HR) variations in wakefulness and in sleep. Early intervention has proven to reduce cardiovascular morbidity in OSA patients. In spite of various confounding factors HR measurement has been utilised as an independent predictor of mortality. The influence of severity of nasal obstruction on HR has not been studied in the literature. This study aims to clarify the influence of severity of nasal obstruction on HR. Materials and Methods We examined 55 patients aged less than 50 years with no previous cardiac complaints, who underwent overnight oxygen saturation and HR monitoring. The patients were divided into Mild, Moderate and Severe Nasal Obstruction group depending on NOSE scale grading. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the Mean HR, Min HR, Max HR, and Max-Min HR in mild, moderate or severe nasal obstruction groups. Discussion The role of nasal obstruction in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and the importance of HR as predictor of cardiovascular morbidity have been discussed. The studies on the heart rate in nasal obstruction and OSA were reviewed. Conclusion Nasal obstruction does not influence the heart rate.