The Link Between Sleep Apnea And Vascular Ageing

Sleep apnea is very common, affecting approximately 34% of middle-aged men and 17% of middle-aged women. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – being the most common type - is linked to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. However a recent article published by the American Heart Association has found it can also damage key blood vessels leading to accelerated vascular ageing.

The study looked at 8,615 people with no history of cardiovascular disease, and found that those with sleep apnea showed a marked acceleration of ageing arteries compared to those without sleep apnea. They noticed thickening of blood vessels which caused changes in their structure and function. Adults with sleep apnea had a 214% increased risk of an enlarged carotid artery, a structural sign of vascular ageing.

The study also examined the effectiveness of a continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) machine in slowing or reversing vascular ageing – finding that it dramatically decreases the risk of heart failure, especially in older adults. It is important for sleep apnea patients to preserve their vascular health by starting CPAP therapy, controlling cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, quitting smoking, being physically active, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

The CPAP Clinic has a network of 40 clinics nationwide, and works in partnership with Centurion Healthcare, a Respiratory & Sleep Specialist clinic group to provide comprehensive sleep care including:

1. Respiratory & Sleep Specialist consultation – face-to-face and telehealth available
2. Sleep studies – in-lab, home and contactless sleep studies available.

Bulk billing available for specialist telehealth consultations as well as sleep studies. Medicare criteria apply. Call 1300 76 29 39 or email info@thecpapclinic.com.au for more information.