Can sleep apnea hurt your heart? Absolutely… Sleep is a vital part of our health and wellness. When our sleep suffers, our whole body can suffer the consequences. Sleep apnea is a disease that is harmful to our bodies in many ways, and can lead to deadly heart related health risks.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person may experience pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can occur up to 30 times or more per hour, and can cause you to wake up gasping for air, but also prevents air from being circulated to your brain and vital organs (like your heart).
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea in which weight on the upper chest and neck blocks the air flow to the lungs during sleep.
What are the Negative Affects of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea impacts more than just your sleep. When breathing pauses during an apnea event, the oxygen levels in your blood can drop significantly. This causes your brain to send signals to the nervous system to constrict blood vessels and increase the flow of oxygen to your heart and brain.
Sleep Apnea Health Risks
- Sleep apnea can raise your risk of a heart attack
- Elevates blood pressure
- Increases your chances of heart disease
- Raises your risk of stroke
Because lack of sleep is directly related to stress, it can lead to overeating and lack of exercise, which can further obesity and the risk for the these potential health risks. Take a closer look at exactly how sleep apnea affects your heart.
Who is Most Likely to Suffer From Sleep Apnea?
One in five adults suffers from at least mild sleep apnea, and men are more susceptible than women. Obstructive sleep apnea is also closely associated with obesity, which can also contribute to heart disease and stroke risk factors.
What are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea?
If you find yourself snoring excessively or are tired throughout the day, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. To decrease your risk of heart-related illnesses, it’s important to seek the help of a specialist. Sleep specialists can help diagnose the issue and find a treatment plan to ease the effects of your sleep apnea.
Learn more about the Sleep Apnea Symptoms – 7 Serious Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
For more information about sleep apnea and to talk with a specialist about treatment options, please contact us today!