US: Black People More Prone to Sleep Apnea
A new US study suggests that black people might be more prone to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) than white. The study also suggests thhat black sufferers are less likely to seek treatment than their white counterparts.
The research was conducted by a team led by Dr. Michael Friedman of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. The results were presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
The study of 523 people found that 80% of black participants showed common signs of OSA compared with 55% of white.
In addition, 32% of black participants considered snoring "normal", compared with 19% of white participants. Since snoring is a key symptom of sleep apnea, the researchers conclude from this that black sufferers are less likely to seek treatment.
The research was conducted by a team led by Dr. Michael Friedman of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. The results were presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
The study of 523 people found that 80% of black participants showed common signs of OSA compared with 55% of white.
In addition, 32% of black participants considered snoring "normal", compared with 19% of white participants. Since snoring is a key symptom of sleep apnea, the researchers conclude from this that black sufferers are less likely to seek treatment.
