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[Cardiovascular risk factors in snorers. The Copenhagen Male Study]
P J Jennum1, H O Hein, P Suadicani
1Klinisk neurofysiologisk afdeling, Hvidovre Hospital, København.
Insights
Snoring is linked to major cardiovascular disease risk factors like smoking, alcohol, and obesity. Controlling for these factors is crucial when studying snoring and heart health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Previous research on snoring and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has inadequately controlled for established CVD risk factors.
- The Copenhagen Male Study investigated the association between snoring and multiple CVD risk factors in a large male cohort.
Purpose:
- To examine the relationship between self-reported snoring and various cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged and older men.
- To determine if associations between snoring and blood pressure persist after accounting for other risk factors.
Summary:
- In 3323 men (aged 54-74), snoring prevalence decreased with age.
- Snoring was positively associated with smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI), serum triglyceride levels, and blood pressure.
- The link between snoring and blood pressure diminished when factors like BMI were considered.
Impact:
- This study highlights that snoring is associated with several major cardiovascular risk factors.
- Emphasizes the necessity of controlling for confounders in research on snoring and cardiovascular disease to ensure accurate findings.
Abstract:
Former studies on the association between snoring and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have only partly taken established CVD risk factors into consideration. In the Copenhagen Male Study, 3323 men aged 54-74 years were classified according to self-reported snoring habits. Eleven CVD risk factors were examined. The prevalence of snoring decreased with age, with a 50% higher frequency of snorers in the youngest quintile than in the oldest, p < 0.00001. Snoring, age adjusted, was positively associated with tobacco smoking, p < 0.001, alcohol consumption p < 0.0001, body mass index (BMI), p < 0.0001, serum triglyceride level, p < 0.01, systolic blood pressure, p < 0.05 and diastolic blood pressure, p = 0.07. Snorers were less physically active in leisure time than others, p < 0.01. The association between self-reported snoring and blood pressure disappeared when other factors, including BMI, were taken into consideration. No significant associations were found between snoring and social class, snoring and low or high density lipoprotein, nor between snoring and hypertension. We conclude that snoring is associated with major cardiovascular risk factors. Accordingly, it is evident that in studies on snoring and cardiovascular disease, proper controlling for the influence of potential confounders is a sine qua non.