New research indicates that a hidden health condition could be affecting one in five individuals, with many remaining unaware that this may be a sign of a more serious underlying problem linked to a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

A recent study published in ERJ Open Research has revealed that approximately one in five individuals could be experiencing obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). People with OSA often experience loud snoring, interrupted breathing during sleep, and frequent awakenings, leading to feelings of exhaustion and increasing the risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

While treatments and lifestyle adjustments can provide relief for those with OSA, the study also suggests that only a small fraction of individuals with OSA symptoms have been diagnosed and are receiving proper treatment. The research involved data collected from 20,151 adults in France and utilized a questionnaire to identify undiagnosed OSA cases based on heavy snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Using the collected data, the researchers were able to estimate the percentage of the French population that could be affected by OSA. The results revealed that approximately one in five individuals (20.2%) were highly likely to suffer from OSA, but only 3.5% of them were receiving treatment for the condition.

The research indicated that OSA was more prevalent in men, older individuals, those with cardiovascular disease, lower socioeconomic status, less physically active, smokers, and those experiencing symptoms of depression. Additionally, the study found that women were at a greater risk of going undiagnosed with OSA.

“We know that OSA is a major health hazard but if patients are diagnosed with the condition, they can be given treatments and advice to mitigate the risks,” explains lead author Dr. Pauline Balagny.

The findings, according to the author, also suggest “that OSA is common, but the majority of those affected do not know they have the condition.

“Our findings are in line with research in other countries which suggest that OSA is becoming more common.”

One of the significant advantages of this research is its reliance on a large sample size of individuals, which provides a representative sample of the French population. However, a limitation of the study is that it utilizes a questionnaire to assess the likelihood of OSA, rather than conducting testing in a sleep clinic.

The results of the study show “that many people with OSA are not aware that their snoring and sleepiness are signs of a problem,” comments Professor Winfried Randerath, Head of the European Respiratory Society’s Assembly on sleep-disordered breathing.

Professor Randerath was not involved in the study.

Professor adds: “We need to raise awareness of OSA because once people are diagnosed, they can be given treatment and advice to help lower their risk of other serious conditions such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Although OSA is more common in men, this study indicates that we also need to get better at spotting the condition in women.”

Dr. Balagny and her team are committed to further exploring the relationship between OSA symptoms and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, they are currently investigating the potential benefits of screening heart attack patients for OSA.

Source:10.1183/23120541.00053-2023

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