Department of Preventive Medicine & Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, Wonkwang University School of Medicine Regional Cardiocerebrovascular Center, Wonkwang University Hospital
Sun-Seog Kweon
Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School Jeonnam Regional Cancer Center, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital
Bo Youl Choi
Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University
Mi Kyung Kim
Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University
Byung-Yeol Chun
Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, and Health Promotion Research Center, Kyungpook National University
Dong Hoon Shin
Department of Preventive Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine
Min-Ho Shin
Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School
Published: July 05, 2014Received: August 19, 2013Available on J-STAGE: -Accepted: February 17, 2014
Advance online publication: April 12, 2014
Revised: -
Background: We investigated the relation of self-reported snoring with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. Methods: In total, 7330 community-dwelling subjects in the Korean Multi-Rural Communities Cohort Study were included in the analysis. Common carotid artery IMT (CCA-IMT) and plaque were evaluated by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Snoring status was evaluated using a structured interview. Results: Snorers had a significantly greater average CCA-IMT than non-snorers (0.726 vs 0.713 mm; P < 0.001), after adjusting for age and gender. The odds ratios (OR) for high CCA-IMT (fifth quintile) were significantly higher for snorers than for non-snorers in multivariate-adjusted analysis (OR 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.42). However, there was no significant relationship between snoring and carotid plaques. Conclusions: Our data suggest that self-reported snoring is significantly associated with increased IMT, but not with the presence of plaques. These findings suggest that early screening and intervention for snoring in the general population are needed to prevent adverse cardiovascular events.
