Sleep Apnea May Raise Women's Heart Risk, but Not Men's

What is the link between sleep apnea and heart disease?
An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, although 80 percent go undiagnosed. Women in particular face special concerns.

Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts, causing you to snore loudly. Sufferers typically feel exhausted, even after a full night's sleep. Most sleep apnea is found in men over the age of 40, but new research has shown the potential hidden dangers women face in diagnosing sleep apnea.

A recent study found that sleep apnea can raise women's heart risk, but not men's. The study had over 1,600 people with the average age of 63, none who suffered from heart disease. The participants were tracked for nearly 14 years.

What did the study find?

Listen in as Dr. Susan Redline shares the recent findings on how sleep apnea may raise women's heart risk but not men's.

Additional Info

  • Segment Number: 2
  • Audio File: ER_101/1546er5b.mp3
  • Featured Speaker: Susan Redline, MD
  • Guest Bio: susan Redline Dr. Susan Redline is Senior Physician, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders; and Director, Program in Sleep and Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital.
  • Length (mins): 10
  • Waiver Received: No
  • Host: Leigh Vinocur, MD