Health knowledge made personal
   Currently, the gold standard for treatment of sleep apnea, regardless of sex, is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) , which conjures up images of a loud, obnoxious octopus-like mask that really isn't sexy or romantic, although in reality, the newest devices & masks are much more tolerable. Adherence to CPAP was deemed usage of at least 4 hours nightly; non-adherence was either less than 4 hours use or no use at all.Granted, the average age of these women were in their mid-50s, with average body mass index diagnostic for obesity. Yet, those women with sleep apnea, regardless of severity, had a greater cardiovascular mortality over 6 years than their non-apneic controls. Likewise, those women with sleep apnea who were adherent to their CPAP had lower cardiovascular mortality compared to those who were not adherent.  The bottom line is this: what's good/bad for the gander is also good/bad for the goose. We've known for quite some time now that sleep apnea increases risk of heart disease in men. This study demonstrates a similar association in women. Moreover, we also now have evidence for the protective effect of adequate CPAP use (at least 4 hours nightly) in reducing heart disease. Go wear some red today and tell the women in your lives. Follow @alvinblin 
|
Write a comment:
|
