Are you aware that the quality of your sleep can impact your heart health significantly? While exercise and a balanced diet are often emphasized for heart disease prevention, the implications of untreated sleep apnea on cardiovascular health are frequently overlooked.
Could sleep apnea be affecting you?
It’s alarming how many individuals remain unaware of their sleep apnea condition, which, when left untreated, can heighten the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
During sleep, the relaxation and collapse of airway muscles can lead to interruptions in breathing, depriving you of essential air intake. This cessation of breathing, which can last from a few seconds to much longer, is a hallmark of sleep apnea. While it’s commonly associated with over 20% of obese individuals, it can also affect those at a healthy weight.
The predominant form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), obstructs the flow of air through the nose and mouth, preventing effective breathing due to relaxed airway muscles.
OSA severity is determined by the frequency of sleep disruptions. Mild cases involve 5-15 interruptions per hour, while severe cases exceed 30 per hour.
Determining the difference between snoring and sleep apnea
It’s important to note that snoring alone does not necessarily indicate sleep apnea. Conversely, individuals with sleep apnea may not exhibit snoring symptoms. The key indicator lies in waking multiple times during the night to resume breathing.
What are the health risks of untreated sleep apnea?
The consequences of shallow sleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and breathing interruptions extend beyond mere inconvenience, posing significant health risks.
Fatigue
Interrupted sleep deprived individuals of deep rest, resulting in daytime fatigue that impairs driving, concentration, decision-making, and productivity.
High blood pressure
Sleep apnea exacerbates existing hypertension by inducing stress and elevating blood pressure, but treatment can effectively mitigate this risk.
Type 2 diabetes
Sleep apnea sufferers are at a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to impaired insulin function and insulin resistance resulting from sleep deprivation.
Heart disease
The correlation between OSA and heart attacks is attributed to oxygen depletion and the stress induced by frequent nocturnal awakenings.
Stroke
OSA alters oxygen intake and blood flow, potentially increasing the risk of stroke.
Weight gain
Sleep apnea can trigger hormonal changes that promote cravings for sweets and carbs, exacerbating weight gain. Conversely, excess weight can contribute to airway obstruction, exacerbating OSA.
Seeking treatment for sleep apnea
Consulting with an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist can yield effective treatment options such as CPAP machines or other interventions tailored to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.
Find an ENT specialist near you to explore potential sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment options, safeguarding your overall health and well-being.