Study: Medical Options Eliminate Snoring, Sleep Apnea While Reducing Cardiac Disease Risk

Chicago (Aug. 3, 2009) – A new study conducted by Michael Friedman, MD, and his colleagues at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center shows that simple procedures that reduce snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can also decrease a person’s risk of developing cardiac disease.

C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients who snore or have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea are associated with an increased risk of cardiac disease. According to Friedman, even minor elevations in the amount of CRP in the bloodstream can indicate a higher risk of developing cardiac disease.

In this study, the results of which were recently presented at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Society in Seattle, Wash., more than 300 patients diagnosed with snoring and sleep apnea were tested. Approximately 60 percent of the participants showed elevated levels of CRP prior to treatment for their condition, increasing their cardiac disease risk.

Following treatment with minimally invasive techniques, performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, CRP levels dropped significantly.

“Not only did most of the patients find that their snoring was alleviated, they reported that their sleep was more restful and they had more energy,” Friedman said. “With the reduction of CRP levels, their cardiovascular health showed definite improvement.”

Illinois Masonic is a 408-bed hospital in Chicago with a Level I Trauma Center and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care, the highest designations awarded by the State of Illinois. It is a comprehensive inpatient hospital, including medical, surgical, obstetrics and pediatric inpatient care, as well as outpatient services. A recipient of numerous awards for quality and clinical excellence, Illinois Masonic was ranked in 2006 as one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation for Heart and Heart Surgery by U.S. News & World Report. In 2008, the hospital achieved Magnet designation for excellence in nursing services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program, the highest award a hospital can receive for outstanding quality and excellence in nursing care. Illinois Masonic is a part of Advocate Health Care, a nationally recognized health care system and the largest provider of health care services in Chicagoland. For more information, log on to www.advocatehealth.com/masonic.

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