Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by periods of interrupted breathing during sleep. It can cause a variety of health problems, including an increased risk of heart disease.

During sleep apnea, the body’s oxygen levels drop, and the heart must work harder to compensate. This can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. In addition, sleep apnea can cause irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, which can be dangerous for people with heart disease.

Sleep apnea is also linked to other risk factors for heart disease, including obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Treatment for sleep apnea may involve lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or quitting smoking, as well as the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which helps keep the airway open during sleep.

If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or daytime fatigue, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems.