'Research required to find link between sleep apnea and heart disease'

Studies need to be carried out to find out the exact relationship between heart disease and sleep apnea, according to the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.

Virend Somers who released the statement said: "It is possible that diagnosing and treating sleep apnea may prove to be an important opportunity to advance our efforts at preventing and treating heart disease."

He added, although the link between the two conditions is not yet fully understood, further research was important because of the high-prevalence of sleep apnea and rising levels of obesity.

Mr Somers stated it was a complex area as people with sleep apnea often have other disorders and people with heart disease also typically have additional medical issues.

As a result, separating the role of sleep apnea in the development of cardiovascular disease is a difficult process, he said.

People with sleep apnea stop breathing while asleep.

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