What AHI value defines severe obstructive sleep apnea?

What AHI value defines severe obstructive sleep apnea?

• A. 5-14
• B. 15-29
• C. ≥30
• D. 20-39

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that sleep apnea severity is determined by how many breathing interruptions occur per hour of sleep, measured as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). An apnea is a complete stop in airflow for at least 10 seconds, while a hypopnea is a partial reduction in airflow that’s associated with a drop in oxygen or an arousal from sleep. When these events happen very frequently, the disorder is classified as severe. The standard threshold for severe obstructive sleep apnea is an AHI of 30 or more events per hour. For context, milder ranges are lower: about 5–14 for mild, and about 15–29 for moderate.

The key idea is that sleep apnea severity is determined by how many breathing interruptions occur per hour of sleep, measured as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). An apnea is a complete stop in airflow for at least 10 seconds, while a hypopnea is a partial reduction in airflow that’s associated with a drop in oxygen or an arousal from sleep. When these events happen very frequently, the disorder is classified as severe. The standard threshold for severe obstructive sleep apnea is an AHI of 30 or more events per hour. For context, milder ranges are lower: about 5–14 for mild, and about 15–29 for moderate.