The Impact Of CPAP Treatment On Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis In Heavy Snoring And Mild Sleep Disordered Breathing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,512.00
Summary
Mild sleep disordered breathing, including habitual snoring, is a very common problem in the adult population, with a prevalence of between 20-40%. Increasingly it is now recognised that habitual snoring may be an independent risk factor for the development of stroke. In this proposal we will explore the hypothesis that treatment for snoring will slow or stop the development of carotid artery atherosclerosis.
The Role Of Snoring Vibrations In The Pathogenesis Of Early Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,833.00
Summary
Habitual snoring is a very common problem in the adult population, with a prevalence of between 20-40%. Increasingly it is now recognised that snoring may be an independent risk factor for the development of stroke. In this proposal, we will explore the hypothesis that chronic snoring transmits a pressure wave through the tissues of the neck to the carotid artery which may damage the artery wall and subsequently lead to stroke. This may lead to new strategies to treat habitual snoring.
Microvascular And Macrovascular Disease In Snoring And Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Mechanism For Increased Stroke Risk.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$679,744.00
Summary
This project will address the important question of the vascular risk of stroke associated with snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, by using retinal photography of the eye to directly visualise the vascular changes in the cerebral circulation. Retinal photography may provide a useful clinical tool to help reduce the risk of stroke in patients with snoring and sleep apnoea.
THE VASCULAR CONSEQUENCES OF SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,052.00
Summary
Snoring refers to a condition where the throat narrows significantly during sleep, and allows the soft tissues which surround this part of the airway to vibrate and create the typical snoring noise. Habitual snoring is a very common problem in the adult population, with a prevalence of between 20-40%. More severe forms of snoring are associated with the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, which is a condition in which the throat completely blocks behind the tongue and palate during sleep leading ....Snoring refers to a condition where the throat narrows significantly during sleep, and allows the soft tissues which surround this part of the airway to vibrate and create the typical snoring noise. Habitual snoring is a very common problem in the adult population, with a prevalence of between 20-40%. More severe forms of snoring are associated with the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, which is a condition in which the throat completely blocks behind the tongue and palate during sleep leading to cessation of breathing for short periods of time. Sleep apnoea is among the commonest chronic disorders of adult males occurring in 5% of men over the age of 45 years. Increasingly, it is now recognised that snoring, without sleep apnoea, may be an independent risk factor for the development of both of these very common and significant medical disorders. However, there have been no studies exploring the mechanisms by which snoring might contribute to the development of stroke and hypertension. In this proposal, we will explore the hypothesis that chronic snoring transmits a pressure wave through the tissues of the neck to the carotid artery which is the main blood supply to the brain. We propose that the chronic vibration of this artery leads to disease such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Our studies will help to prove that this is a common mechanism whereby both snoring and sleep apnoea may contribute to the development of important vascular diseases. Studies will also establish the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in snorers (with and without OSA), and the prevalence of habitual snoring and OSA in patients at risk of developoing completed stroke. The recognition of snoring as an independent risk factor for vascular disease will clearly have important and wide ranging implications for the future management of snoring in the prevention of stroke and hypertension.Read moreRead less
A-Prof Wheatley is a respiratory and sleep disorders physician investigating the pathogenesis, health consequences and management of sleep breathing disorders, including sleep apnoea and snoring.