Sleep apnoea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, appears to have a negative impact on the health of our blood vessels. Researchers discovered that the periods of oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnoea lead to an increase in old and damaged cells in the vascular system. These cells function less well and contribute to the accelerated ageing of the blood vessels.
The research, carried out in mice, showed that these senescent cells impair the blood flow and function of the heart and blood vessels. Importantly, the removal of these ageing cells restored vascular health. This suggests that treatments aimed at clearing these cells might also help humans to reduce the consequences of sleep apnoea.
Sleep apnoea has long been known as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It leads to repeated interruptions in breathing, as a result of which the body does not get enough oxygen. This oxygen deficiency causes stress in the body and contributes to inflammation and damage to the blood vessels. The new research reinforces the picture that these mechanisms indeed cause accelerated ageing of the vascular system.
Healthy blood vessels are essential to prevent cardiovascular disease at a later age. Preventing or properly treating sleep apnoea can therefore be an important means of ageing healthily. Thanks to the insights from this research, it may be possible in the future to intervene more effectively in the ageing process of the blood vessels.
Source: Reason
