The Sleep Apnea Cardio Vascular Endpoints (SAVE) Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,177,047.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 7% of the population and is increasing with the global epidemic of obesity. Research suggests that OSA may be a cause of premature cardiovascular (CV) disease, but definitive proof is lacking. This 5-year trial will answer this question by comparing the rate of CV events (eg stroke, heart attack) in OSA patients who are treated, versus those not treated, with CPAP. The results may lead to a new medical approach to the prevention of CV disease.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 7% of the population and is increasing with the global epidemic of obesity. Research suggests that OSA may be a cause of premature cardiovascular (CV) disease, but definitive proof is lacking. This 5-year trial will answer this question by comparing the rate of CV events (eg stroke, heart attack) in OSA patients who are treated, versus those not treated, with CPAP. The results may lead to a new medical approach to the prevention of CV disease.
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
Targeting Oxidant-dependent Pathways To Improve Stroke Outcomes In COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,069,574.00
Summary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major incurable global health burden and is the 4th largest cause of death worldwide. Patients with COPD are at increased risk for stroke and this is even higher in the weeks following a lung viral infection. The reason for this is unknown so the aim of this study is to determine why people with COPD are at increased risk for stroke and then develop novel treatments to prevent or reduce stroke in COPD patients.
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.