What might an increase in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) indicate?

An increase in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is an important indicator in sleep medicine, as it reflects the severity of sleep-disordered breathing. The AHI measures the frequency of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep, with higher values indicating a greater number of these breathing events.

When the AHI rises, it typically suggests that the patient is experiencing more significant interruptions in their breathing during sleep, which is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked, leading to episodes of reduced or halted airflow. Therefore, a higher AHI can signify that the obstructive sleep apnea is worsening, which may result in more pronounced symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and an increased risk of associated health complications.

In contrast, options suggesting improvement in sleep quality or effective treatment are less likely as a rise in AHI usually correlates with worsening rather than an improvement of the condition. Similarly, the notion that an increased AHI indicates a decreased risk of cardiovascular issues contradicts established findings that link severe sleep apnea to higher cardiovascular risks. Thus, the most logical interpretation of an increased AHI is that it represents more severe obstructive sleep apnea, which warrants further evaluation