Researchers at Columbia University have found that cholesterol-lowering statin drugs can reduce cardiovascular risk in people with obstructive sleep apnea. The research was published in the journal Annuals of the American Thoracic Society.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the reduction or complete cessation of breathing during sleep due to temporary collapse of the soft tissues of the upper airway. This condition often accompanies snoring and triples the risk of heart attack and stroke. Continuous positive airway pressure CPAP devices improve sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue in people with obstructive sleep apnea. But the results of recent clinical trials have shown that CPAP does not improve heart health, which is what doctors initially hoped for.
The new study included 87 people with newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea who were treated with CPAP. Half of the patients received a statin and the other half a placebo.
Researchers have found that statins protect blood vessels from dangerous inflammatory changes that occur in people with sleep apnea. This effect has been associated with the effect of statins on the CD59 protein, which reduces inflammation.
Researchers also found that CPAP increased levels of angiopoietin-2, a protein associated with an increased risk of inflammation and heart problems. Elevated angiopoietin-2 levels are usually seen in ventilated patients, but have never been reported in people using CPAP. More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of statins in preventing stroke and heart attacks.
“We continue to believe that CPAP is very beneficial as it improves sleep and reduces daytime fatigue. However, CPAP also seems to have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system,” he said.