Severe Untreated Sleep Apnea Increases Cardiac Risk in Men

Numerous studies have linked obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea (OSAH) with increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but well-controlled prospective data are lacking, and the effect . . .

Researchers in Spain studied men with OSAH or simple snoring who were referred to a sleep unit between 1992 and 1994. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was recommended to 667 patients with severe OSAH; 372 accepted and adhered to therapy. Weight loss and other conservative measures were recommended to 638 men who had mild-to-moderate OSAH or who declined CPAP; 377 simple snorers were observed without treatment, and 264 healthy male nonsnorers (matched by age and body-mass index [BMI] to patients with untreat…

Reviewing Author

Bruce Soloway, MD