Background. Sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is an serious disease increasing morbidity and mortality. SAS is often associated with cardiovascular diseases. This retrospective study is focused on the prevalence of selected risk factors of ischemic heart disease. Methods and Results. The comparison of BMI, prevalence of obesity, hypertension and smoking was performed in 356 patients with SAS (287 men, 69 women, age 25-64 years) and 2353 persons - representing 1% of Czech population (WHO project MONICA). T-test was used for statistical analysis of BMI and chi-square test for obesity, hypertension and smoking prevalence. Groups of patients and the MONICA group were stratified by age into 4 subgroups. Statistical significant difference was found in BMI and obesity prevalence in men in all age subgroups. Men aged 35-64 years differed in systemic hypertension prevalence (p<0.001) and in age subgroups of 45-64 years in smoking prevalence (p<0.001). Females aged subgroups of 35-54 years differed significantly in BMI (p<0.001) and in age subgroups of 45-54 years in hypertension (p<0.01). Conclusions. Higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and smoking were found in patients with SAS compared to non-selected Czech population.

        Key words: sleep apnoea syndrome, obesity, hypertension, smoking, cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular risk,