Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that often goes unnoticed. Characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, this condition can disrupt rest and, more importantly, pose significant health risks. Many people don’t realize that untreated sleep apnea is closely linked to heart disease. At Korban Cardiology, we are committed to raising awareness about this connection and encouraging patients to take steps to protect their heart health.
What is Sleep Apnea?
There are two main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, where the muscles in the throat relax too much, blocking the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to control breathing during sleep.
Both types result in interrupted breathing patterns that can deprive the body of oxygen, causing a strain on several organs, including the heart.
How Sleep Apnea Impacts the Heart
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): When the airway is blocked, the body experiences brief episodes of oxygen deprivation. This triggers the release of stress hormones, which cause the blood vessels to constrict, leading to elevated blood pressure. Persistent high blood pressure is a known risk factor for heart disease.
- Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeat): Sleep apnea increases the risk of developing irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). The fluctuations in oxygen levels and disrupted sleep patterns can interfere with the heart’s electrical system, making arrhythmias more likely.
- Heart Failure: Sleep apnea can weaken the heart over time. The continuous strain placed on the heart and the disrupted oxygen supply can impair the heart’s ability to pump efficiently, contributing to heart failure.
- Coronary Artery Disease: Studies have shown that people with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to develop coronary artery disease (CAD). Repeated drops in oxygen levels can promote inflammation and contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to blockages.
- Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke: Untreated sleep apnea not only elevates the risk of heart attack but also increases the likelihood of stroke. Both conditions are linked to poor oxygen supply and irregular heart rhythms caused by sleep apnea.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because many of the symptoms occur during sleep. However, some signs to watch for include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Daytime fatigue or excessive sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. Sleep studies, either at home or in a sleep center, can help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol, and sleeping on your side can alleviate mild sleep apnea.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy: CPAP machines keep the airway open during sleep, ensuring uninterrupted breathing.
- Oral appliances: These devices reposition the jaw to keep the airway open.
- Surgery: In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to correct structural issues contributing to apnea.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is more than just a sleep disorder; it’s a condition that can significantly impact heart health if left untreated. At Korban Cardiology, we emphasize the importance of addressing sleep apnea as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risk of heart disease. If you suspect sleep apnea, we encourage you to seek evaluation and take action to protect both your sleep and your heart.