All Quizzes > Narcolepsy Essentials: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Cardiovascular Risk

Test your knowledge of narcolepsy, including excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, diagnostic criteria, comorbid OSA, and cardiovascular risk factors, using evidence-based clinical insights.

  • Narcolepsy Essentials: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Cardiovascular Risk
    Q1.

    Which of the following best describes a hallmark clinical characteristic of narcolepsy?

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    Correct Answer: C

    Narcolepsy is a chronic neurologic sleep–wake disorder characterized primarily by EDS, often with disturbed nocturnal sleep and, in some individuals, cataplexy.

    https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/epub/10.1161/JAHA.124.035168

  • Narcolepsy Essentials: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Cardiovascular Risk
    Q2.

    Why is it important to address comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people with narcolepsy?

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    Correct Answer: C

    OSA is linked to major cardiovascular (CV) conditions. Recognizing and treating comorbid OSA helps reduce overall CV risk.

    https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/epub/10.1161/JAHA.124.035168

  • Narcolepsy Essentials: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Cardiovascular Risk
    Q3.

    Which dietary modification is recommended as part of cardiovascular risk reduction strategies for people with narcolepsy?

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    Correct Answer: D

    Expert consensus recommends reducing sodium intake to help lower blood pressure and decrease cardiovascular risk. Sodium reduction improves BP even in normotensive individuals and is particularly relevant due to higher hypertension prevalence reported in narcolepsy populations.

    https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/epub/10.1161/JAHA.124.035168

  • Narcolepsy Essentials: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Cardiovascular Risk
    Q4.

    Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) can be diagnosed when clear cataplexy is present along with which polysomnography (PSG)/Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) finding?

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    Correct Answer: C

    Cataplexy plus a SOREMP on PSG is sufficient for NT1 diagnosis, even without MSLT or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypocretin testing.

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11963943/

    https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/18/8980

  • Narcolepsy Essentials: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Cardiovascular Risk
    Q5.

    Fragmented nighttime sleep in narcolepsy increases cardiovascular risk primarily through which autonomic mechanism?

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    Correct Answer: D

    Frequent nocturnal awakenings heighten sympathetic activity, elevating blood pressure and long-term CV risk.

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11963943/

    https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/18/8980

  • Narcolepsy Essentials: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Cardiovascular Risk
    Q6.

    Which two co-existing sleep disorders are commonly reported in narcolepsy and independently increase cardiovascular/cardiometabolic risk?

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    Correct Answer: D

    Both OSA and RLS frequently occur alongside narcolepsy and contribute to increased cardiometabolic burden.

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11963943/

    https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/18/8980