Sleep apnoea link to increased risk of sudden death

Obstructive sleep apnoea can significantly increase a person’s risk for sudden cardiac death, according to the largest study of its kind published online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.1 The association of sleep apnoea with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and atrial fibrillation is well documented, as is its link with a higher risk of myocardial infarction. This is the first study to establish a clear relationship between sleep apnoea and sudden cardiac death. The study followed 10,701 subjects monitored by polysomnogram for incidents of resuscitated or fatal sudden cardiac death (average follow-up 5.3 years). In