March 14, 2007
New research findings published in the March issue of the journal CHEST show sleep disruptions as potential markers of prothrombotic cardiovascular risks.
In the study, researchers from the University of California San Diego performed full-night polysomnography in 135 unmedicated patients, who had no history of sleep disorders. Three different types of antigens, morning fasting plasma levels of von Willebrand Factor (VWF), soluble tissue factor (sTF), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), and D-dimer were gathered and determined. Also, statistical analyses were adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, blood pressure, and smoking history.
Results of the study showed that measures of sleep fragmentation and sleep efficiency were related to VWF and sTF, and that apnea-related measures were related to PAI-1. The researchers therefore concluded that sleep disruptions, even in a relatively healthy population, are associated with prothrombotic changes.
