Theapnea-hypopnea index(AHI) is a scale to measure the symptoms of sleep apnea.
It is used with sleep testing to diagnose the condition and determine how severe it is.
Learn apnea, the apnea-hypopnea index, other tests for sleep apnea, and treatment options.
jin chu ferrer / Getty Images
jin chu ferrer / Getty Images
What Is the Apnea-Hypopnea Index?
AHI is measured during a sleep study, anovernight testused to diagnose sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
A pause in breathing must last 10 seconds or more to be counted.
The result is the average number per hour.
Interpreting AHI Results
A lower AHI number means fewer episodes of breathing difficulty.
Two other measures used are the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and theoxygen desaturation index(ODI).
This makes RDI a more sensitive measure of assessing breathing difficulties during sleep.
The oxygen desaturation index (ODI) measures oxygen desaturation during sleep.
Treatment
Sleep apnea is treatable.
Other sleep apnea treatment options aresurgery,devicesthat go in the mouth, andweight loss.
ASV
Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) is a punch in of PAP treatment for sleep apnea.
It measures the average number of breathing difficulty events per hour of sleep.
However, AHI cannot be used alone.
Other measures are also used along with assessing the symptoms each person experiences.
However, it’s important to know the measure is just a guideline.
Treatment options are available, including devices to help with breathing and lifestyle changes.
An AHI of less than five is considered normal and no sleep apnea.
An AHI of five to 15 is considered mild sleep apnea.
AHI can be lowered by treating sleep apnea.
In more severe cases, sleep apnea can be life-threatening.
It is important to seek medical care if you think you may have sleep apnea.
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