A joint research group led by Professor Takeshi Tanigawa of Juntendo University Graduate School has revealed that sleep apnea increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in a prospective follow-up study of about 13 years (up to 20 years).
In Japan, nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP therapy: a treatment that sends air through a mask to prevent airway obstruction) is used to treat sleep apnea in Japan, but this treatment is covered by insurance if the disease is not moderate to severe. not adaptable.The reason for this is that the strength of risk for mild sleep apnea has not been fully investigated, and there is little domestic evidence, including among Asians.Mild sleep apnea is considered to be observed, but it may leave the risk of developing latent cardiovascular disease.
The joint research group conducted an eight-year survey in Yao City, Osaka Prefecture, Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and Ikawa Town, Akita Prefecture, on lifestyle habits such as drinking and smoking, and comorbidities such as blood pressure and diabetes. gone.We screened 3 people (ages 8-5,313) for sleep apnea and examined their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
As a result, sleep apnea increases the risk of developing lacunar infarcts (small blood vessels in the brain parenchyma) and heart disease, even if CPAP treatment is not covered by insurance (mild). We clarified the importance of early detection and treatment of sleep apnea in order to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases in the future.
The results of this research will serve as valuable evidence for considering insurance coverage for sleep apnea treatment.It is said that there are 300 million potential patients with sleep apnea in Japan, and the treatment of sleep apnea, including mild cases, will have a significant impact on the prevention of cardiovascular disease in Japan.
