"To determine the exact nature of some of these effects, Dr. Kohler and colleagues performed a controlled, cross-sectional study to assess differences in endothelial function (often a harbinger for cardiovascular problems to come), arterial stiffness and blood pressure in patients with minimally symptomatic OSA. They compared 64 patients who had proven OSA to matched control subjects without OSA.

Their findings suggested that minimally symptomatic OSA is a cardiovascular risk factor to a degree not previously known. "

Overview:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-10/ats-ems102208.php

Full Text of Original Article:
http://www.thoracic.org/sections/publications/press-releases/resources/110108Kohler.pdf

Full Text of Original Editorial:
http://www.thoracic.org/sections/publications/press-releases/resources/OSAed110108.pdf

A very interesting postscript to the article is a note that the same team of researchers is currently working on a study to see if CPAP reduces the added risk. For most of us reading these boards, taht is the big question... will treatment make a real difference?


_________________
Arthur
Sleeping with a curvaceous blonde autoPAP (Resmed autoset). Hope springs eternal.....