Apnea–hypopnea index explained

The Apnea–Hypopnea Index or Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index (AHI) is an index used to indicate the severity of sleep apnea. It is represented by the number of apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep. Apnea is the complete absence of airflow through your nose and mouth. Hypoapnea is a partial collapse of your airway, limiting breathing. Apneas (pauses in breathing) must last for at least 10 seconds and be associated with a decrease in blood oxygenation to be considered. Combining AHI and oxygen desaturation gives an overall sleep apnea severity score that evaluates both the number of sleep breathing disruptions and the degree of oxygen desaturation (low oxygen level in the blood) during said disruptions.

The AHI is calculated by dividing the number of apnea events by the number of hours of sleep. The AHI values for adults are categorized as:^{[1] [2]}

• Normal: AHI<5
• Mild sleep apnea: 5≤AHI<15
• Moderate sleep apnea: 15≤AHI<30
• Severe sleep apnea: AHI≥30

For children, because of their different physiology, an AHI in excess of 1 is considered abnormal. Underage pediatric patients presenting with AHI of 2 or greater will often be referred for treatment.^[3]

See also

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Oxygen saturation (medicine)
• Respiratory disturbance index

Notes and References

1. Web site: Understanding the Results: Sleep Apnea. med.harvard.edu. Harvard Medical School, Harvard University. 5 September 2014.
2. Ruehland WR, Rochford PD, O'Donoghue FJ, Pierce RJ, Singh P, Thornton AT . The new AASM criteria for scoring hypopneas: impact on the apnea hypopnea index . Sleep . 32 . 2 . 150–7 . 1 February 2009. 19238801 . 2635578 . 10.1093/sleep/32.2.150.
3. Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children . American Family Physician. March 2004. 69. 5. 1147–1155. American Academy of Family Physicians. 11 October 2016. Chan. James. Edman. Jennifer C.. Koltai. Peter J.. 15023015.