Project NANIT to assess early heart risks in sleep patients
The Sleep Unit at Hospital d'Olot i Comarcal de la Garrotxa has launched Project NANIT, selected under the 2026 call for funding for comarcal hospitals. The study, led by pulmonologist Anton Obrador, will investigate the connection between obstructive sleep apnoea and cardiovascular risk, a factor he says is more prevalent in women. The full title of the project is 'Impact of cardiovascular risk in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea with or without insomnia'. Researchers will analyse sleep patterns, lifestyle habits and daily rhythms of participants to identify early signs of high cardiovascular risk and how it correlates with sleep disorders.
Home testing kits to improve diagnosis rates
When patients are identified as being at potential risk during consultations, they are given a home testing kit. Gemma Pujolar, nurse at the Sleep Unit, explained the process: 'It's a device we explain how to use, and they return it the next day. We obtain the results and analyse them, which streamlines the process.' Obrador highlighted a major gap in current care: the unit currently treats only 20% of people in the region who need sleep treatment, meaning 80% go undiagnosed and untreated. The project aims to improve early detection and reduce long-term health risks.
Supporting evidence
Research cited from Lleida, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, supports the link between obstructive sleep apnoea and increased cardiovascular risk in patients without prior heart disease. That study, led by Ferran Barbé and Manuel Sánchez of IRBLleida and CIBERES, found that up to 80% of people with sleep apnoea remain undiagnosed, echoing the situation in Olot. Meanwhile, equipment upgrades at other regional hospitals, such as the Trueta-Santa Caterina unit, have increased capacity for sleep studies by 20–25%, with around 4,800 annual tests planned. Similar improvements could benefit Olot if Project NANIT proves successful.
Reported by garrotxadigital.cat, ias.cat, ACN, contractaciopublica.cat, 40370650S, Garrotxa Digital.
