Today was a sad day in the NFL, as future Hall-of-Famer Reggie White passed away Sunday morning.

Cause of death wasn’t clear, with an autopsy planned in the next few days. His wife suggested it was due to his sleep apnea:

Through the family pastor, Sara White confirmed her husband’s death, saying that she believes White died of respiratory failure related to his sleep apnea.

Other suggested it was a massive heart attack. There has been some study regarding the cardiovascular complications of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition where one transiently stops breathing during sleep. After these periods of lack of breathing (known as apneas), there are sudden attempts to breathe. This disrupted sleep pattern often leads to daytime drowsiness.

There has been some connection between coronary artery disease and sleep apnea, although the data is far from robust. A study done in the 1980’s suggested an odds ratio of 2.0 for angina in those with sleep apnea.

Another found a significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction for those in the top quartile of apnea frequency.

However, another study did not find a significant correlation between the two after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, and current alcohol consumption.

Thus, it is tough to say whether there was a definitive correlation between Reggie’s sleep apnea and the cause of death. According to UptoDate:

Clinicians can only currently speculate that OSA, particularly if severe, may contribute to coronary vascular and cerebrovascular disease. The evidence is not yet compelling, so that patients must be cautioned without being overly frightened. Routine laboratory screening of patients after occlusive vascular events is not yet justified, but clinicians are encouraged to take detailed sleep histories in such patients.

Rest in peace, Reggie White – the “Minister of Defense“.