Markers of Early Atherosclerotic Progression in Insomnia

Markers of Early Atherosclerotic Progression in Insomnia Markers of Early Atherosclerotic Progression in Insomnia Insomnia, a chronic disorder experienced by 10-22% of the adult population, may be a highly modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The association between insomnia and CVD has been reported for decades. However, identification of early markers of subclinical CVD in diagnosed insomnia is understudied. Evidence suggests that insomnia may generate atherosclerotic development. However, few studies have used state-of-the-art technology to measure compromised vascular function and structure in diagnosed insomnia compared to rigorously-defined good-sleeping controls. Studies also have not assessed these relationships among younger adults, thus the early stages of atherosclerotic progression were likely not captured. In this cross-sectional study, we will address these previous limitations with the following Aim: contrast functional and structural cardiovascular markers between persons with insomnia and good-sleeping controls. This study will be the first to test a comprehensive set of markers of compromised vasculature that are both highly predictive of CVD events and responsive to treatment. The markers will include brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and echocardiography indices. We expect the project outcomes will promote accelerated study of the pathways that explain this relationship, identify biological pathways for behavioral and pharmaceutical intervention to prevent CVD, and may stimulate CVD screening of insomnia patients as a new, high-risk group. Markers of Early Atherosclerotic Progression in Insomnia