The role of obstructive sleep apnea risk (BOAH Score) in predicting angina: evidence from NHANES 2017–2020

To investigate the association between the BOAH score (Body mass index, Observed apnea, Age, and Hypertension) and angina in NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) participants from 2017 to March 2020.

A cross-sectional study of 4361 participants used the BOAH score to categorize the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk. Participants were classified into low risk of OSA (scores < 2) and high risk of OSA (scores ≥ 2). The presence of angina was determined by a questionnaire, considering chest pain after physical exertion as a diagnostic criterion. Statistical analyses included Pearson's chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression.

Individuals at high risk of OSA were 3.14 (95%CI:1.98–4.96) times more likely to have angina, regardless of sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors. Furthermore, when the frequency of snoring was assessed, it was observed that the greater the frequency, the stronger the association between BOAH score and angina. Likewise, the association between OSA and angina is stronger in adults and short-sleepers (< 8 h).

The study showed that the BOAH score is a relevant indicator for angina. It highlights the importance of assessing snoring and sleep in patients at cardiovascular risk, suggesting interventions to improve sleep.