The Link Between Untreated Sleep Apnea and Heart Health
Do you wake up feeling tired, even after a full night’s rest? Obstructive sleep apnea may be the reason. This common disorder interrupts breathing during sleep, placing significant stress on the body. What many don’t realize is that untreated sleep apnea doesn’t just affect energy levels. It can also raise the risk of serious heart problems. Understanding how sleep apnea affects cardiovascular health can help you take proactive steps toward effective treatment.
At EOS Dental Sleep in Philadelphia, Dr. Marc Levin specializes in oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Levin has advanced training in airway and sleep dentistry and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. With years of experience fitting custom oral appliances, Dr. Levin provides patients with effective alternatives to CPAP therapy.
How Sleep Apnea Affects the Heart
When breathing stops during sleep, oxygen levels in the blood drop. This forces the heart to work harder to supply oxygen to the body. Over time, these repeated interruptions place strain on the cardiovascular system. According to the American Heart Association, untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Long-Term Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Ignoring sleep apnea can increase the chances of developing serious conditions. Some of the most concerning risks include:
- Hypertension: Frequent drops in oxygen levels trigger the body to release stress hormones, which in turn raise blood pressure.
- Heart arrhythmias: Sleep apnea is associated with irregular heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation.
- Stroke: Oxygen deprivation and high blood pressure together raise stroke risk significantly.
- Heart failure: The heart works overtime when oxygen supply is interrupted, contributing to weakened heart function.
These risks underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.
Oral Appliance Therapy as a CPAP Alternative
For many patients, CPAP therapy is difficult to tolerate. Oral appliance therapy provides a more comfortable alternative. These small, custom-made devices reposition the lower jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. Patients often find them easier to use consistently, resulting in better outcomes. Dr. Levin evaluates each patient to determine the most suitable device for their unique needs, helping improve both sleep and heart health.
Protect Your Heart with EOS Dental Sleep
Untreated sleep apnea does more than cause daytime fatigue; it also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It can put your heart at risk. At EOS Dental Sleep in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Marc Levin combines expertise in sleep dentistry with compassionate care to help patients breathe more easily and protect their long-term health. Call (215) 241-0700 today to schedule your consultation and explore oral appliance therapy as a solution for sleep apnea.