Sleep Apnea : A Risk Factor For Stroke

Severe sleep apnea represents an independent risk factor for stroke especially in the elderly population, according to a research reported in Stroke : Journal of the American-Heart Association.

In a sleep study called the Vitoria Sleep Project in Vitoria, a small town in Northern Spain, researchers analyzed data from 394 people (57 percent male, average 77) and monitored their breathing patterns overnight, then tracked the patients medical events for six years. The sleep study registered 20 ischemic strokes. Those patients with severe sleep apnea had a two-and-a half times greater risk of stroke than patients with no apnea.

Typical symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring, decreased breathing or breathing stoppages and excessive daytime sleepiness. Roberto Munoz, M.D., and lead author of the study said, "Snoring is the most important warning sign for sleep apnea. People who live alone, which is common in the elderly, should be aware that excessive daytime sleepiness is another key risk factor."