Sleep apnea’s hidden heart disease trigger found in the gut
New research in mice suggests that gut microbes and bile acids play a protective role against heart disease in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. The study identifies a specific bile acid receptor as a potential target for future cardiovascular therapies.
Why it matters
Sleep apnea is a widespread condition, and understanding its link to heart disease through the gut microbiome could lead to new preventative treatments.
Millions of people worldwide live with obstructive sleep apnea, a common disorder that repeatedly interrupts breathing during sleep. New research in mice suggests that gut microbes and the compounds they produce may play a surprising role in protecting against some of the condition's most serious consequences, including heart disease.
The article is a straightforward summary of scientific research presented at a conference.
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