Snoring And Risk for Carotid Atherosclerosis

A recent study was conducted to determine the relationship of heavy snoring and carotid atherosclerosis. It was found that heavy snoring is a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis, which can lead to a cerebrovascular event (stroke)

The study involved 110 adults, of which 20% were mild snorers, 32% were moderate snorers, and a whopping 64% snored heavily. Adjustments were made for the following factors:

• Age


• Gender


• History of smoking


• High blood pressure

After adjustments for these factors were accomplished, heavy snoring was distinctly related to carotid atherosclerosis.

What is carotid atherosclerosis?

The carotid arteries are located on both side of the neck, and their purpose is to feed the brain with oxygen rich blood and nutrients. In atherosclerotic carotids, plaque deposits adhere to the walls of the arteries, causing restriction of blood flow to the brain, resulting in ischemia and cell destruction. This can lead to a stroke.

By the same token, snoring is caused by an obstruction of the airway, or trachea. This leads to the heart having to work harder to get oxygen to the tissues. If blood vessels, such as the carotids, are blocked by plaque, this can compound the problem that snoring causes, which can result in a stroke. People who snore heavily are at a high risk for the development of carotid atherosclerosis, which is a leading cause of stroke. This makes it ultra important for heavy snorers to have all risk factors evaluated by their medical professional.

Instead of using a questionnaire for the study, it was decided to go at it from an objective point of view to explore the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and carotid atherosclerosis. These findings could have significant public health implications for the management of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke prevention.

According to The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, habitual snoring is present in about 24 percent of adult women and 40 percent of adult men. Loud and habitual snoring is indicative of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

The participants in the study ranged in ages from 45 to 80 years, with their evaluation taking place in a sleep laboratory. They were situated in categories of snorers and non-snorers, with just mild, nonhypoxic obstructive sleep apnea. The study subjects underwent polysomnography testing for snoring, as well as bilateral carotid and femoral artery ultrasound to assess for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risks.

Participants were further categorized according to:

• The number of snores per hour (snoring index)


• Snoring sleep time number of 30-second sleep periods with three or more snore sounds, which were expressed in percentages.

Results:

• Mild snorers (0-25 percent night snoring),


• Moderate snorers (greater than 25-50 percent night snoring)


• Heavy snorers (more than 50 percent night snoring).

Carotid atherosclerosis was shown to occur below a snoring sleep time of 50 percent, but increased greatly for snoring sleep times longer than 50 percent.

Treatments:

• Weight loss


• Decreased alcohol intake


• Oral appliance therapy


• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy

The above treatments for were found to be effective in the reduction of snoring symptoms, which allowed for better rest and increased energy during daytime hours.

by Barb Hicks, RN