Did you know that sleep apnea can be closely linked to a number of cardiovascular issues? In addition to leaving you feeling exhausted during the day, sleep-disordered breathing can ultimately raise your risk of experiencing sudden cardiac death. Below is a closer look at sleep apnea and the devastating impact it can have on your heart health – as well as what steps you can take to treat the problem before the worst can happen.
What Happens When You Have Sleep Apnea?
Having sleep apnea means that your breathing is repeatedly stopping and restarting while you’re asleep. This is typically the result of the airway being partially or fully blocked. Each pause in breathing can force your body to wake up and disrupt the sleep cycle, thus making it very difficult – if not impossible – for your body to get the quality rest it needs.
How Can Sleep Apnea Be Linked to Cardiovascular Problems?
Studies show that individuals with sleep apnea are about 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer from abnormal heart rhythms and about 2.5 times more likely to experience sudden cardiac death between the hours of 12 AM and 6 AM. Furthermore, sleep apnea can increase the chances of heart failure occurring by as much as 140%, and it can raise your risk of coronary heart disease by 30%.
Why exactly does sleep apnea lead to heart problems? Simply put, whenever your breathing stops due to a sleep apnea episode, it causes a drop in your blood oxygen levels. This can force the heart to work harder than normal to pump blood, weakening it over time and leaving it more prone to failure.
What Can You Do About Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Problems?
As soon as you recognize the potential warning signs of sleep apnea (which can include loud snoring along with excessive daytime sleepiness), you should make arrangements to undergo a sleep test so that the problem can be properly diagnosed. The sooner sleep apnea is identified, the sooner it can be treated, which can go a long way toward lowering your risk for cardiovascular problems.
Sleep apnea is traditionally treated with a CPAP machine that keeps the airway open with a steady stream of pressurized air. However, if you find CPAP to be too noisy or uncomfortable, it may be worth asking your dentist for an oral appliance instead. An oral appliance can reposition your tongue and jaw in a way that helps ensure that the flow of air remains unobstructed while you slumber.
Remember, ignoring sleep apnea for too long only makes it more likely that it will eventually result in heart problems and other serious consequences. Be proactive about getting your sleep-disordered breathing under control so that you can enjoy more restful nights and better overall health.
About the Author
Dr. Rob Schumacher studied dentistry at the University of Kentucky and the University of Michigan. He is a nationally board-certified prosthodontist with many years of experience who belongs to the North Shore Dental Society and various other organizations. His Wakefield practice, Schumacher Dental, offers personalized oral appliances for treating sleep apnea. If you’re looking for a solution for sleep-disordered breathing, you can schedule a visit with Dr. Schumacher by visiting his website or calling (781) 334-3400.