Narcolepsy and risk of cardiovascular outcomes: getting to the heart of the matter

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death, accounting for at least 38% of premature deaths under the age of 70 attributable to noncommunicable diseases [1]. The prevention of CVD is a public health priority. The American Heart Association (AHA) has recognized healthy sleep as a key com-ponent of cardiovascular health as part of its “Life’s Essential 8” framework [2]. The AHA further underscored the connection between sleep disorders and cardiovascular health by publishing a Fact Sheet that specifically highlights the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and narcolepsy [3]. The inclusion of narcolepsy, a rare disease [4], among these more prevalent sleep–wake disorders reflects a growing body of evidence linking it to several cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities [5].