How Sleep Apnea Can Lead to Dangerous Aneurysms: Insights from University of Missouri
Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and NextGen Precision Health have found that obstructive sleep apnea may increase the risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms. This condition occurs when the aorta, the major artery, expands and can potentially rupture, causing severe internal bleeding.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic disorder where patients stop and start breathing while sleeping, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. The study, using mouse models, showed that intermittent hypoxia—periods when the body doesn’t get enough oxygen—caused by sleep apnea can weaken the aorta, especially in patients with additional metabolic issues like obesity.
“Chronic intermittent hypoxia by itself is not enough to cause abdominal aortic aneurysms, but for a patient with obstructive sleep apnea who also has additional metabolic problems like obesity, our findings suggest it may help degrade aortic structures and promote aneurysm development,” said Luis Martinez-Lemus, a professor of medical pharmacology and physiology.
Intermittent hypoxia happens during obstructive sleep apnea when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs. The loss of oxygen triggers certain enzymes called MMPs, which can degrade the extracellular matrix, weakening the aorta.
“Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms usually don’t notice any symptoms, except for some back and belly pain, until the aneurysm bursts. Once that happens, it’s crucial to get the patient to surgery quickly so doctors can repair the aorta,” said Neekun Sharma, the lead author of the study. “Learning how these aneurysms develop can help us find ways to monitor or slow down their progression, especially for patients who have obstructive sleep apnea.”
Doubts Revealed
Sleep Apnea -: Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for short periods while sleeping. This can make them very tired during the day.
Aneurysms -: An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall. If it bursts, it can cause serious problems.
University of Missouri -: The University of Missouri is a big school in the United States where people go to learn and do research.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms -: This is a type of aneurysm that happens in the aorta, the main blood vessel in your belly. It can be very dangerous if it bursts.
Intermittent Hypoxia -: This means having low oxygen levels in the blood for short periods. It can happen during sleep apnea.
Metabolic Issues -: These are problems with how the body uses food and energy. Obesity is one example of a metabolic issue.
Mouse Models -: Scientists use mice in experiments to study diseases and treatments because they are similar to humans in many ways.
NextGen Precision Health -: This is a research center that focuses on finding new ways to treat and prevent diseases.
