RISK OF ISCHEMIC-HEART-DISEASE IN SELF-REPORTED SNORERS - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF 2,937 MEN AGED 54 TO 74 YEARS - THE COPENHAGEN MALE STUDY

Former studies have demonstrated an association between habitual snori ng and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Control for the influen ce of potential confounders has been inadequate. To further elucidate the issue, we examined the association between snoring and future risk of ischemic heart disease (LHD) while controlling for a number of maj or cardiovascular risk factors and potential effect modifiers. Some 2, 937 men without overt cardiovascular disease, aged 54 to 74 y (mean=63 years), were classified according to snoring habits and followed up p rospectively during 6 years (1985 to 1991). Potential cardiovascular d isease risk factors included in the study were as follows: smoking, al cohol consumption, physical activity, hypertension, blood pressure, bo dy mass index (BMI) (kgXm(-2)), social class, and serum concentrations of selenium, cotinine, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein ch olesterol, and triglycerides. During the 6-year follow-up period, 182 men (6.2%) had an IHD event (42 were fatal), and 274 men died from all causes (9.3%). There was no difference in the prevalence of snorers a mong those who had an IHD event and those who did not during the follo w-up period, 49.9% vs 50.5%, respectively. Among the younger half of t he cohort (54 to 63 years), the age-adjusted incidence of IHD was slig htly but not significantly increased in snorers, relative risk (RR)=1. 2 (0.8 to 1.9). When adjustments were made for relevant confounders-us e of tobacco, alcohol consumption, and BMI-the RR dropped to 1.0 (0.6 to 1.6), Among the older half (64 to 74 years), there was no increased risk in snorers, RR=1.0 (0.7 to 1.6). We conclude that there was a sl ightly increased risk that did not reach statistical significance of I HD in snorers. After multivariate adjustment, snoring was not associat ed with risk of IHD in middle-aged and elderly men.