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Date of Graduation
Spring 2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Kinesiology
Abstract
Purpose: The primary aims of this study are to: 1) compare carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) of young males who are habitual snorers compared to those who do not snore; 2) to compare CIMT between snorers and non-snorers to the intima media thickness (IMT) of the brachial artery, the control, that is not exposed to the vibrations from snoring; and 3) to determine the risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in snorers compared to non-snorers through the use of validated questionnaires. Methods: Subjects were classified as snorers (n=17) or non-snorers (n=6) according to the prescreening questionnaire. Height, weight, neck and waist circumferences, body composition, physical activity level, heart rate variability and accelerometer data were collected on each subject. Brachial and carotid IMT was imaged via ultrasonography; IMT measurements were compared between groups using brachial IMT as the control to compare CIMT between groups. Results: No significant group differences were noted for any study variable, however a correlation was found between CIMT and physical activity (PA) (expressed as MET-min/wk) (r=0.65, p = .001). After controlling for PA, mean CIMT was greater in snorers compared to non-snorers (0.367 mm vs. 0.310 mm respectively; p=.014). Brachial IMT did not differ between groups. Questionnaire data showed that 58.8% of snorers were at high risk for developing OSA compared to 0% for non-snorers. Conclusion: Results suggest that the vibrations from snoring may contribute to vascular remodeling in the carotid artery, and may be an early mechanism contributing to the development of endothelial dysfunction, and early subclinical sign of CVD risk in those at high risk for OSA.
Recommended Citation
Jacoby, Sarah C., "Association of habitual snoring with carotid intima-media thickness in young men" (2013). Masters Theses, 2010-2019. 241.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/master201019/241
