Family History of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Risk of Obesity

Abstract

BackgroundCompelling evidence links obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a prevalent sleep disorder, to heightened morbidity and mortality. Individuals with family history (FH) of OSA exhibit increased risk of developing this sleep disorder, suggesting that genetics, in addition to demographic and lifestyle factors, are likely implicated in the pathogenesis of OSA. However, it is unclear whether a positive FH of OSA predisposes to other unfavorable health outcomes. In this regard, data on its impact on vulnerability to obesity, both a precursor and a consequence of OSA, are lacking.ObjectiveWe sought to assess the association between FH of OSA and risk of obesity.MethodsThe study population consisted of 612 individuals (66% male, age 48.1±17.3 years) who took part in research studies performed in the Cardiovascular/Sleep Laboratory at Mayo Clinic and had complete family history data. FH of OSA and obesity were determined from questionnaires. Demographics and medical comorbidities including OSA diagnosis were obtained from self‐reports. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was calculated from height and weight measures and used to determine obesity status as follows: normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Measurements of waist circumference were obtained to determine central obesity (defined as waist circumference ≥88 cm in women and ≥102 cm in men).ResultsFH of OSA was reported by twelve percent of the sample (n=72). Individuals with FH of OSA were younger and more likely to be female than those without (age: 40.8±12.6 years vs 49.1±17.6 years, P<0.0001; sex: 48.6% vs 32.2%, P=0.008). Those with positive FH had higher BMI (31.5±6.8 kg/m2 vs 29.2±7 kg/m2, P=0.009), were more frequently obese (59.7% vs 39.8%, P=0.007), and had higher prevalence of central obesity (67.7% vs 53.8%, P=0.036). Multivariable regression models showed the FH of OSA was associated with 3.2‐times greater risk of obesity (95% CI 1.7–5.9, P=0.0002) and with 2.3‐times greater risk of central obesity (95% CI 1.2–4.5, P=0.011) after correcting for age, sex, OSA diagnosis, and FH of obesity.ConclusionFamily history of OSA is accompanied by an increased likelihood of obesity, especially central obesity, even if subjects with FH of OSA are much younger. This relationship is independent of conventional risk factors, including OSA diagnosis, suggesting that comorbid OSA in the offspring is unlikely to be implicated. Research addressing the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying our findings is warranted.Support or Funding InformationResearch support: VKS and PS are supported by NIH HL65176. NC is supported by American Heart Association grant 16SDG27250156, and Mayo Clinic CCaTS grant Marie Ingalls Cardiovascular Research Career Development Fund.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

A Prospective Study on Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Clinical Profile and Polysomnographic Variables

“…One of the primary symptoms of OSA, which is present in more than 80% of patients, is daytime sleepiness driven by nocturnal sleep fragmentation [ 40 ]. Even though people with FH of OSA are considerably younger, there is a higher chance of obesity, particularly central obesity [ 41 ]. A substantial increase in the likelihood of prevalent hypertension was found to be connected with OSA, defined as apneas and hypopneas marked by 3% desaturation episodes or arousals [ 42 ].…”

Factors Related to Obstructive Sleep Apnea According to Age: A Descriptive Study

“…Education level is closely related to socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and cognitive function; therefore, it can affect accessibility to medical services, such as diagnosis and treatment for OSA [22]. Additionally, lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, may affect the risk of developing OSA and increase the awareness of the importance of maintaining a lifestyle that reduces the risk of obesity [23,24]. However, as there was no significant difference according to the education level in the elderly population, further in-depth research is needed.…”