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RESEARCH

Cardio-Metabolic and Endocrine

There is considerable evidence to show that OSA can increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders including hypertension, stroke, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. Our research seeks to investigate the link between OSA and metabolic syndrome, a major risk factor for health. Many studies now suggest that OSA may exacerbate the metabolic syndrome by promoting insulin resistance, a precursor of diabetes. Insulin resistance is closely linked to central obesity and this association is likely to be causally related to excess storage of deep abdominal (visceral) fat. Our ongoing studies are looking at how OSA may alter lipid metabolism and storage.

Another focus of our research is to establish whether new obesity treatments in subjects with OSA who are on a diet and exercise program, will accelerate weight loss and whether this will in turn improve OSA. We are collaborating with the ANZAC Institute on a randomised placebo-controlled trial to investigate the use of testosterone in obese men as adjuvant therapy for a weight loss program.

Sleep Apnea CardioVascular Endpoints Study – SAVE