Snoring and atherosclerotic manifestations in a 70-year-old population

A number of studies have demonstrated an association between habitual snoring and ischemic heart disease like angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and ischemic changes on the electrocardiography (ECG). Control for the influence of potential confounders has been inadequate. To further elucidate the issue we examined the association between self-assessed snoring and the relation to atherosclerotic manifestations. 804 70-year-old males and females were classified according to snoring habits. Alcohol and tobacco consumption, blood pressure, body mass index, social group, plasma lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein), fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance test, plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine were determined. Presence of angina pectoris, claudication intermittens, use of nitroglycerine were questioned, a resting ECG and a distal arterial pressure by use of doppler technique in the lower limbs were determined. Distal atherosclerotic manifestations was defined as complaints of claudication intermittens, pulselessness in one or more foot arteries or a foot/arm systolic pressure ratio < 0.90. ECG changes were classified in accordance to standard criteria (Minnesota codes) into positive ECG signs (Q/OS waves, S-T depressions, T-wave inversion or flattering or left bundle branch block) and definitive myocardial infarction. Snoring showed a weak positive correlation to positive ECG signs and definitive myocardial infarction, but after adjustments for the above confounders, no association was found between snoring and atherosclerotic manifestations. We conclude that, in a 70-year-old population, self-reported snoring is not associated with atherosclerotic manifestations.