Sleep Disorders Linked to Increased Risk of Aortic Stenosis, finds study

The investigators conducted a longitudinal investigation of patients diagnosed with sleep disorders to evaluate risk of developing AS. Cox proportional hazards were constructed to estimate risk, and controlled for confounding cardiovascular risk factors including history of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The investigators examined biochemical measurements to identify metabolic alterations, particularly changes in lipid profile, that could mediate the associations between sleep disorders and AS.

Key Findings

•Sleep disorders were significantly associated with increased risk of AS, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–1.18).

• The risk of AS remained elevated beyond conventional cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting an independent association.

• Changes in lipid metabolism were found to be a primary mediator of increased AS risk.

• The study suggests that disrupted sleep may contribute to cardiovascular pathophysiology, beyond their established effects on hypertension and arrhythmias.

This study provides compelling evidence that sleep disorders are associated with a higher risk of aortic stenosis independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and confirms the role of lipid metabolism in mediating that association which presents a potential strategy for prevention and atrial fibrillation treatment. Addressing sleep disorders should be an important step toward reducing the burden of AS and improving overall cardiovascular health.

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