Are Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease Related?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, has been linked to significant health issues, particularly for the heart.
If you're among the 39 million Americans living with this potentially deadly disease, it's important to understand how it can affect your life and how you can preserve your health.
At eos dental sleep in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Marc Levin and our team are committed to helping you improve your sleep quality and long-term health using safe, effective treatments that work for your lifestyle. With a compassionate approach, we work to prevent the serious cardiovascular consequences of untreated sleep apnea.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Heart Health
When someone has sleep apnea, their oxygen levels drop during episodes of interrupted breathing. This oxygen deprivation affects your body's ability to support healthy cardiovascular function.
Repeated drops in oxygen can put stress on your heart, leading to complications that may include:
- High Blood Pressure: The body's reaction to low oxygen levels often spikes blood pressure.
- Irregular Heart Rhythms: Sleep apnea is linked to atrial fibrillation, an arrhythmia that can increase the risk of stroke. One study showed that nearly half of people with OSA have heart arrhythmias.
- Heart Failure: Long-term effects of sleep apnea on the heart can lead to weakening or damage, increasing the risk of heart failure.
- Increased Risk of Stroke: Oxygen drops and the body's stress response during apnea events may elevate stroke risk.
Because these effects can be catastrophic or even deadly, OSA is something you can't ignore. Treatment can help you feel better while protecting your cardiovascular health.
Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea
Some of the key benefits of treating OSA include:
- Lower Blood Pressure: Studies show that treating sleep apnea can help stabilize blood pressure levels.
- Improved Oxygen Flow: Proper treatment ensures your body receives adequate oxygen throughout the night, which is crucial for heart health.
- Reduced Risk of Heart Complications: Managing sleep apnea lowers the risks associated with heart disease, such as heart attack and stroke.
- Better Quality of Life: Improved sleep quality enhances your energy, mood, and overall health.
If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, taking action can positively impact your health beyond sleep.
Sleep Apnea Solutions in Philadelphia, PA
At eos dental sleep in Philadelphia, we support you in managing sleep apnea and protecting your health. Dr. Marc Levin and our compassionate team offer treatments such as oral appliances to help improve your OSA symptoms and prevent complications without needing complicated and cumbersome CPAP masks.
Call us at 215-241-0700 to schedule a consultation in Philadelphia, PA.