Congenital Heart Conditions
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with numerous heart conditions, including heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms and congestive heart failure.
Untreated sleep apnea stresses the heart because it deprives the body of oxygen and restful sleep. During an apneic event — where insufficient air flows to the lungs
and organs — the body compensates with a rise in blood pressure.
Because of this, sleep apnea can have serious consequences. Research shows people with untreated sleep apnea have twice the risk of having a stroke and
five times the risk of having a fatal heart attack
Heart Conditions and Sleep Apnea
When a person with sleep apnea stops breathing, the oxygen levels in their blood drop, which can put a strain on the heart and increase blood pressure. Over time, the repeated drops in oxygen levels can cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s important to address sleep apnea as a potential cause or exacerbating factor in heart conditions, as treating sleep apnea can improve overall heart health.
Sleep apnea sufferers are five times more likely to have a fatal heart attack.
Sleep apnea sufferers are twice as likely to have a stroke
Patients with chronic heart failure have a 50% risk of
obstructive sleep apnea
The link between sleep apnea and heart conditions is a dangerous one
If you have sleep apnea, you may not be aware of the impact it can have on your heart’s health. Research shows a strong connection between sleep apnea and cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeats. Learn more about the link between sleep apnea and heart health below.
Sleep and High
Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea often causes a rise in blood
pressure. If a person already has high blood
pressure (hypertension), sleep apnea can
worsen the situation. Untreated sleep apnea
often makes a person more resistant to
hypertensive medications — increasing
medical costs and making it more difficult to
control the condition.
Sleep and Stroke
& Heart Attack
Sleep apnea can greatly increase the risk of
stroke and heart attack because of its
association with poor blood pressure control, impaired blood sugar control, abnormal heart rhythms and low blood oxygen levels
Abnormal
Heart Beat
Research has demonstrated a very strong
association between sleep apnea and a
serious heart arrhythmia called atrial
fibrillation. Untreated sleep apnea sufferers
are twice as likely to have a recurrence of
atrial fibrillation when compared to sleep
apnea patients who were effectively treated
with CPAP therapy
