Snoring linked to stroke risk

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Heavy snoring is an independent risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis, a leading cause of stroke, according to Australian researchers.

In a study of 110 adults, the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis was 20% with mild snoring, 32% with moderate snoring and 64% with heavy snoring.

The volunteer subjects, aged between 45 to 80, were categorized as snorers and non-snorers with only mild, non-hypoxic obstructive sleep apnoea. They also underwent bilateral carotid and femoral artery ultrasound and a cardiovascular risk assessment

'Heavy snorers should have a review of all their risk factors for vascular disease,' said lead author Sharon Lee, associate professor and director of the Ludwig Engel Centre for Respiratory Research at Westmead Hospital in Australia. The research is published in the September issue of the journal Sleep.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports that habitual snoring occurs in about 24% of adult women and 40% of adult men.