This is what reveals a study carried out by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in the United States and presented at the scientific sessions of the American Heart Association. The research team analyzed the sleep characteristics of almost 11,000 adults in a nighttime sleep laboratory. Age has been identified as the other factor that contributes to the high risk of sudden cardiac death.
Sudden cardiac death is caused by failure of the heart’s electrical system. Subject to further studies, sleep apnea would be among the already well-established risk factors, namely smoking, obesity, high cholesterolemia and high blood pressure.
Dr. Somers, lead author of the study, argues that these findings are relevant to clinical care: “It is quite possible that the screening and treatment of sleep apnea will prove to be an important opportunity to advance our lives. efforts to prevent and cure heart disease, “he adds.