Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Experts from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and NextGen Precision Health have found a potential link between obstructive sleep apnea and abdominal aortic aneurysms. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when the aorta, the body’s main artery, expands and may rupture, causing dangerous internal bleeding.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, raising the risk of heart-related issues. The researchers used mouse models to explore the connection between this condition and aneurysms.
Research Findings
The study revealed that intermittent hypoxia, a condition where the body doesn’t receive enough oxygen, is linked to obstructive sleep apnea and increases the likelihood of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice. Luis Martinez-Lemus, a professor involved in the study, noted that while intermittent hypoxia alone doesn’t cause aneurysms, it may contribute to their development in patients with additional health issues like obesity.
Mechanism Behind the Link
During obstructive sleep apnea, relaxed throat muscles block airflow, leading to intermittent hypoxia. This lack of oxygen activates enzymes called MMPs, which can weaken the aorta by degrading its extracellular matrix.
Importance of Early Detection
Neekun Sharma, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of understanding aneurysm development to improve monitoring and treatment, especially for those with obstructive sleep apnea. Early detection is crucial as symptoms often go unnoticed until an aneurysm bursts, requiring urgent surgical intervention.
Doubts Revealed
Obstructive Sleep Apnea -: Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can make them feel very tired during the day because they don’t get good rest at night.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms -: An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart through the chest and tummy. If it gets too big, it can burst and 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. Researchers there study many things, including health and medicine.
Intermittent Hypoxia -: Intermittent Hypoxia means having low levels of oxygen in the body at different times. This can happen during sleep apnea when breathing stops and starts, affecting the body’s organs.
Mouse Models -: Mouse models are mice used in scientific research to study diseases and test new treatments. Scientists use them because they can show how a disease might work in humans.
