Sleep apnea is more than just a nighttime nuisance – it’s a serious health condition with far-reaching consequences, especially for the heart. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common form, is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can lead to fragmented rest and low oxygen levels, putting significant strain on the cardiovascular system. Understanding the connection between sleep apnea and heart health is critical for preventing life-threatening complications and improving overall wellness.
How Sleep Apnea Impacts the Heart
When breathing stops during sleep, oxygen levels in the blood drop, triggering the body’s “fight or flight” response. Stress hormones like adrenaline flood the system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. While this response is useful in short bursts, repeated activation night after night places chronic stress on the cardiovascular system.
This cycle can contribute to a variety of heart-related issues, including:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): The most common cardiovascular consequence of sleep apnea, high blood pressure occurs in up to 50 percent of people with this condition. The repeated surges in blood pressure caused by low oxygen levels and arousals from sleep lead to sustained hypertension, a major risk factor for stroke and heart attack.
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats): Sleep apnea is linked to an increased risk of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. This condition can cause poor blood flow and increase the risk of stroke. Oxygen deprivation and pressure shifts in the chest cavity may disrupt the heart’s electrical activity, leading to abnormal rhythms.
- Heart failure and coronary artery disease: Over time, untreated sleep apnea can cause structural changes to the heart. The heart has to work harder to pump blood under stress, which may lead to left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart wall) or heart failure. It also promotes inflammation and the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
Recognizing the Signs
Many people with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed, in part because the symptoms occur during sleep. Key signs to watch for include:
- Loud, chronic snoring.
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Morning headaches.
- Difficulty concentrating.
Those with high blood pressure that doesn’t respond well to treatment, especially when accompanied by obesity, should be evaluated for sleep apnea.
Treatment: A Path to Better Heart Health
An alternative treatment to a CPAP machine is an oral appliance. These devices can keep the airway open and make sleep a lot easier for the wearer due to its non-invasive design.
Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and sleeping on your side can also improve both sleep apnea and cardiovascular health.
Sleep apnea is not just a sleep disorder; it’s a significant cardiovascular risk factor. By identifying and treating it early, individuals can protect their hearts and enhance their quality of life. A good night’s sleep might just save your heart!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Scarpitti is a graduate of Creighton University and a member of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute. Currently, he is president of the Florida Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association. Dr. Scarpitti and our team at Premier Dental Care of East Orlando are happy to help you get back to sleep with treatment for sleep apnea like non-invasive oral appliances. Just give us a call to schedule your appointment at (407) 658-1111 or visit our website.