Compelling Evidence for Higher CVD
Commenting on the findings for this news organization, Shaheen Lakhan, MD, a neurologist and researcher based in Miami, Florida, called for narcolepsy to be recognized as a significant contributor to higher CVD risk.
“Given the compelling evidence linking narcolepsy to a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, it is crucial that narcolepsy be included in clinical guidelines and risk assessment tools alongside other known risk factors,” said Dr. Lakhan, who was not involved in this research.
“Physicians and health care providers should proactively address the increased cardiovascular risk associated with narcolepsy by incorporating preventive strategies and interventions into the management of patients with this condition,” Dr. Lakhan suggested.
Regular CVD screening, a healthier lifestyle, and targeted therapies could all decrease cardiac risk, Dr. Lakhan added.
“Ultimately, novel disease-modifying therapies for narcolepsy should target the core mechanisms driving the increased cardiovascular risk associated with this condition. By elucidating the specific biological pathways and developing targeted therapies that address the unique challenges faced by narcolepsy patients, we can effectively mitigate the risk,” Dr. Lakhan said.
The studies were funded by the Sleep Research Society Foundation. The authors and Dr. Lakhan had no relevant disclosures.
A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com.