If you are sleeping with someone that is snoring, listen for breaks in
their breathing. This will happen in the pauses between snores. The
sleeper does not realize this, but he is actually awakened slightly in
an effort to catch his or her breath (men usually suffer from OSA). The
condition may also cause daytime drowsiness.
Previous studies have shown that blood pressure will rise and fall
during these episodes. The only way to truly diagnose the condition is
to have a sleep study done. These are typically done by cardiopulmonary
specialists. Treating sleep apnea with a Constant Positive Air Pressure
(CPAP) machine has also been shown to lower the risk for heart failure.
After six years of study there were 20 ischemic strokes. People who
suffered a stroke were more likely to be male and have the more severe
sleep apnea. The Spanish researchers found that patients with severe
sleep apnea were two-and-a-half times more likely to suffer a stroke
compared to people who did not suffer from apnea, or those who had a
mild to moderate sleep apnea.
"This study provides more evidence that severe sleep apnea represents an
independent risk factor for stroke in the elderly population," said
Roberto Muñoz, M.D., lead author of the study. He added "Sleep apnea is
two to three times more common in the elderly compared to middle-aged
people. However, typical symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring
or excessive daytime sleepiness, are less prevalent in the elderly
compared to middle-aged people. We should be aware of these symptoms,
and specifically look for the presence of repetitive breathing pauses in
our patients and relatives”. Muñoz is a neurologist at the Hospital de
Navarra in Pamplona, Spain.
"Snoring is the most important warning sign for sleep apnea," Muñoz
said. "People who live alone, which is common in the elderly, should be
aware that excessive daytime sleepiness is another key risk factor."
Researchers suggest apnea treatment be started if doctors find a high
rate of episodes of decreased breathing or breathing interruption,
particularly in patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. The
research appears in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Dan Wilson
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