Sleep Apnea May Be a Risk Factor for Sudden Cardiac Death
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found additional evidence that the low oxygen levels associated with obstructive sleep apnea may be a risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD). These findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s recent meeting.
In a study of 10,701 patients between 1987 and 2003 who had diagnostic sleep studies performed, 142 patients went on to suffer sudden cardiac death. This occurs when the heart’s electrical system fails and is typically deadly unless resuscitation is performed. There were two risk factors identified among the population: obstructive sleep apnea and patients 60 years and older.
One of the researchers, Dr. Virend Somers, commented, “Our data showed that an average nighttime oxygen saturation of the blood of 93 percent and lowest nighttime saturation of 78 percent strongly predicted SCD, independent of other well-established risk factors, such as high cholesterol.” This indicates that low oxygen levels secondary to sleep apnea may be an independent risk factor for SCD.
These levels may be often reached in individuals suffering from moderate and severe sleep apnea. This research again suggests the importance of recognizing and treating sleep apnea to prevent cardiovascular disease and complications such as death.
Comments
I used to have a terrible snoring problem, but that was when I was way
overweight, and when I laid down to sleep, I would start snoring and at times I would gasp to try and get my breath. My husband had to wake me up several times to get me to stop snoring, but it didn’t help until I went from 205 lbs, down to 135 lbs. This made a huge difference, and I don’t snore anymore, according to my
husband. The problem is: Now I am
worried about my husband’s snoring so badly. He can’t even sleep in our bed, b/c laying flat was the culprit. He tried propping himself up more with pillows, but it just didn’t work. My husband found a place to sleep and that’s in the Lazy-Boy relcliner. He doesn’t go back too far. He’s almost sitting up, but I have not heard him snore in years! I’m so glad that he beat the snoring problem!!!
My father perfectly healthy dies at 63 while asleep after lunch due to sudden cardiac arrest. My uncle died at 69 in sleep after lunch, perfectly healthy no known health problems. They might have had sleep apnea snoring problem.
I am very healthy , exercise regularly, BMI
I am very healthy , exercise regularly, BMI