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BP and arterial distensibility in children with primary snoring
Ka Li Kwok1, Daniel K K Ng, Yiu Fai Cheung
1Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Grantham Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Aberdeen, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Children who snore loudly may have higher blood pressure and stiffer arteries. This condition, primary snoring, could impact their long-term cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Vascular Physiology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to cardiovascular issues.
- The impact of primary snoring on children's cardiovascular health is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of primary snoring on daytime systemic blood pressure (BP) and arterial distensibility in children.
- To compare these parameters in children with primary snoring to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- 30 children with primary snoring and 30 age-, sex-, and body-size-matched healthy controls were studied.
- Systemic BP was measured using an automated device.
- Brachioradial arterial distensibility was assessed via pulse wave velocity (PWV).
Main Results:
- Children with primary snoring exhibited significantly higher systolic, diastolic, and mean BP compared to controls.
- Pulse wave velocity (PWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness, was significantly higher in children with primary snoring.
- Primary snoring was identified as a significant determinant of both systemic BP and PWV, independent of BMI.
Conclusions:
- Primary snoring in children is associated with elevated daytime systemic BP.
- Children with primary snoring demonstrate reduced arterial distensibility.
- These findings suggest a potential risk to long-term cardiovascular health in children with primary snoring.
Study Objective:
While previous studies have suggested an association between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular complications, the effects of primary snoring in children on daytime systemic BP and arterial distensibility remain unknown.
Design And Patients:
To determine the effects of primary snoring on BP and peripheral conduit artery distensibility, 30 children with primary snoring were studied at an age of 9.5 +/- 2.8 years (mean +/- SD). Systemic BP was measured using an automated device, while brachioradial arterial distensibility was assessed by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV), which is inversely related to the square root of distensibility. The results were compared to those of 30 healthy control subjects matched for age, sex, and body size.
Results:
As compared to control subjects, children with primary snoring had significantly higher systolic BP (112 +/- 10 mm Hg vs 105 +/- 8 mm Hg, p = 0.001), diastolic BP (60 +/- 7 mm Hg vs 53 +/- 9 mm Hg, p = 0.004), and mean BP (81 +/- 7 mm Hg vs 71 +/- 8 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Likewise, those with primary snoring had significantly higher PWV (9.7 +/- 1.6 m/s vs 7.9 +/- 2.0 m/s, p = 0.001). Multiple regression identified age, body mass index (BMI), and primary snoring as significant determinants of systemic BP; however, primary snoring is the only significant determinant of PWV. Regardless of the BMI, systemic BP and PWV remained significantly higher in children with primary snoring.
Conclusion:
Children with primary snoring have increased daytime systemic BP and reduced arterial distensibility, which may jeopardize long-term cardiovascular health.