What does a high AHI score indicate after a sleep apnea study?

A high Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) score indicates a high occurrence of apnea and hypopnea events during a sleep study. The AHI is a critical metric used to quantify the severity of sleep apnea, calculated based on the total number of apneas (complete cessation of airflow) and hypopneas (partial blockage of airflow) experienced during a specific period of sleep, typically reported per hour.

When the AHI score is elevated, it reflects that the individual experiences numerous interruptions in breathing while asleep, which can lead to fragmented sleep and subsequent daytime fatigue. This high occurrence is directly correlated with significant health risks, including cardiovascular problems and decreased overall well-being.

In contrast, a low AHI score would indicate fewer events, suggesting less severe or no sleep apnea. Similarly, average sleep quality would not align with a high index score, and a diagnosis of insomnia pertains to difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep rather than breathing-related events during sleep. Thus, a high AHI score is clearly indicative of greater apnea and hypopnea incidents that warrant attention and potential intervention.