A large-scale study of nearly 30,000 participants across 20 countries has linked the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to accelerated vascular aging, according to new research published innpj Digital Medicine.
Researchers used under-mattress sensors and smart scales to track participants over a four-year period. The study measured pulse wave velocity (PWV), a primary indicator of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk.
Data showed that as OSA severity increases, so does the stiffness of the arteries. This relationship followed a dose-response pattern, meaning higher levels of apnea-related breathing disruptions correlated with higher PWV, regardless of a person's age, sex, or BMI.
Variability and snoring impact heart health
The study also highlighted the danger of inconsistent sleep patterns. Participants with mild sleep apnea but high night-to-night variability showed arterial stiffness levels comparable to those with severe OSA.
Beyond breathing pauses, the researchers found that a high snoring burden independently predicted higher PWV across all categories of sleep apnea severity. This suggests that snoring alone may be a significant contributor to vascular decline.
Unlike previous studies that relied on single-night assessments, this research utilized continuous, multi-night digital monitoring in a real-world setting. The authors suggest that these long-term home assessments could provide a more accurate reflection of cardiovascular risk.
By using digital tools to quantify nightly OSA and snoring, doctors may be able to better inform personalized management plans for patients at risk of hypertension and organ damage.