Association between Snoring and High-Risk Carotid Plaque Features
Erin M Kirkham1, Thomas S Hatsukami2, Susan R Heckbert3
11 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Summary
Snoring is independently linked to high-risk carotid plaque features, such as thin fibrous caps and intraplaque hemorrhage, on MRI scans. This suggests snoring may be a significant risk factor for stroke beyond sleep apnea.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Previous research indicates a link between snoring and carotid disease, separate from sleep apnea.
- High-risk carotid plaque features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are known predictors of stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between self-reported snoring and specific high-risk carotid plaque characteristics identified by MRI.
- To quantify this relationship, independent of other risk factors like sleep apnea.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 133 subjects with asymptomatic carotid artery disease.
- Data collected via surveys on snoring, demographics, and sleep apnea (STOP-Bang questionnaire).
- High-resolution MRI used to identify plaque features: thin/ruptured fibrous cap and intraplaque hemorrhage. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Out of 61 respondents, 32 (52%) reported snoring.
- Snorers showed significantly higher rates of thin/ruptured fibrous caps (56% vs. 25%) and intraplaque hemorrhage (63% vs. 29%).
- Multivariate analysis confirmed snoring's independent association with thin/ruptured fibrous caps (OR 4.4) and intraplaque hemorrhage (OR 8.2).
Conclusions:
- This pilot study indicates a significant, independent association between snoring and high-risk carotid plaque features detected by MRI.
- Snoring may represent a distinct risk factor for cerebrovascular events.
- Further research in larger cohorts is necessary to validate these findings.
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