A Thief in the Night: How Sleep Apnea Affects Heart Health

There are many things you must do to keep your heart healthy. Whether it’s eating right, exercising, drinking a lot of water, or getting enough sleep, this vital organ requires much attention to continue ticking year after year. But what if you are unable to get necessary rest because you struggle to breathe at night? Can the frequent interruptions that leave you gasping for air take a toll on your cardiovascular health? Keep reading to learn the truth about how sleep apnea can lead to serious heart problems and what you can do to prevent it.

Understanding the Connection: Sleep Apnea & Its Effect on the Heart

Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing throughout the night, which results in the brain working quickly to notify the body that it needs to activate. In other words, it needs to wake up so that you will begin to breathe. You may notice this occurs a few times each night or hundreds, and although you may not think much about how this back-and-forth reaction impacts the rest of your body, it can, and it does.

When it comes to the heart, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – the most common form – is known to cause high blood pressure as well as increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.

The reason is that the intense pressure that develops each time you try to breathe in or out while sleeping with a blocked airway can damage your heart over time. Also, the rise and fall of your blood pressure and oxygen levels can lead to a heart attack.

How to Treat Your Sleep Quality & Heart Health

If you’re asking the question, “Does your heart stop if you have sleep apnea,” do not feel foolish, as many of the issues that can develop have the potential to lead to heart failure.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid this possibility. First, you should seek sleep apnea treatment from a trusted expert. Their ability to diagnose and treat the problem with a custom oral appliance will give you greater peace of mind knowing that this small device can successfully prevent a blockage in the airway while you sleep.

In addition, you can also:

• Adopt a healthy diet that no longer consists primarily of sugars and starches
• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight
• Ask your doctor about your current medications if you are suffering from diabetes, heart disease, or any other condition associated with cardiovascular health
• Find someone to talk to about any stress that is causing you to miss out on valuable sleep

By being proactive about your cardiovascular health and seeking professional help to get the rest you need, the results you can expect to experience will allow you to enjoy life in a new way – without unnecessary worry or fear.

About the Author
Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Dr. Shelley Shults is a board-certified registered nurse, general dentist, family nurse practitioner, and dental sleep medicine practitioner who wants to help. Leading a team of professionals at Powell Dental Sleep Solutions, she treats patients dealing with sleep apnea and who are worried about its effects on their overall health. If you have questions about your symptoms and want to take the appropriate steps to start breathing better while keeping your heart healthy, contact us at (614) 681-8593.