Narcolepsy is associated with cardiovascular burden

BackgroundNarcolepsy is a debilitating sleep disorder caused by hypocretin deficiency. Aside from its role to induce wakefulness, hypocretin is linked to modulated appetite and metabolism, often resulting in weight gain. Study objectivesWe aimed to unravel the comprehensive epidemiological connection between narcolepsy and major cardiometabolic outcomes. MethodsWe analyzed cardiovascular and metabolic disease distribution in the FinnGen study. Using longitudinal electronic health records, we assessed associations between narcolepsy, cardiac/metabolic markers, and prescriptions for relevant drugs. ResultsOur findings demonstrate significant associations between narcolepsy and metabolic traits (OR [95% CI] = 2.65 [1.81, 3.89]) as well as stroke (OR = 2.36 [1.38, 4.04]). Narcolepsy patients exhibit a less favourable metabolic profile, including higher glucose levels (OR = 1.1143 [1.0599, 1.1715]) and dyslipidaemia. This is supported by increased prescriptions of insulin (OR = 2.269 [1.46, 3.53]), simvastatin (OR = 2.292 [1.59, 3.31]), and metformin (OR = 2.327 [1.66, 3.25]), reflecting high metabolic disturbances. Furthermore, positive associations with antihypertensive and antiplatelet medications were observed, consistent with elevated cardiovascular risk. ConclusionTaken together, our findings highlight the cardiometabolic burden in narcolepsy. This study enhances understanding of the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of narcolepsy and offers timely guidance for effective disease control. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=131 SRC="FIGDIR/small/26351468v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (29K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@19f5783org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@2a648corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@12f2b9eorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1d8baaf_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG