Ehimen Aneni, MD, MPH, FACC

My overarching interests are in the promotion of cardiometabolic health in diverse populations through understanding the relationships between cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and metabolic risk factors. My research is focused on the intersection between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and CVD with a sub-focus on elucidating mechanisms of CVDs in OSA. Over the last 3 years, my work has focused on improving our understanding of the role of OSA in the occurrence, severity, and outcomes of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). I have recently uncovered a strong association between abnormal myocardial flow reserve (a reduction in the capacity of the heart to increase its blood flow in proportion to its demands) and severe obstructive sleep apnea. Abnormal myocardial flow reserve may be a marker of disease of the small blood vessels of the heart (coronary microvascular dysfunction). My work has been presented at national conferences such as the Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. The findings of my research are published in major peer-reviewed scientific journals such as JACC, JACC Cardiovascular Imaging, Circulation Quality of Care and Cardiovascular Outcomes, JAHA, and Mayo Clinic Proceedings.