An investigation into the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing, the metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk profiles, and inflammation between South Asians and Caucasians residing in the United Kingdom

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in a South Asian and a Caucasian population and to compare the cardiovascular risk factors in those with SDB within these ethnic groups and determine if SDB is independently associated with the metabolic syndrome and markers of inflammation. A total of 1,598 participants within a U.K. multiethnic population underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, completed the Berlin Sleep Questionnaire, and provided anthropometric data and fasting bloods. Metabolic syndrome was classified according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The prevalence of SDB was 28.3% and did not differ between the two ethnic groups. South Asians with SDB had a higher body fat percentage (38.4±10% vs. 35.6±9%, P=0.016), glycosylated hemoglobin (5.6±0.5% vs. 5.6±0.5%, P=0.001) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.21±0.23 mmol/L vs. 1.29±0.34 mmol/L, P=0.002) compared to Caucasians with SDB, who were older (59.6±8.6 years vs. 50.4±10.3 years, P