Can Sleep Apnea Lead To Heart Problems? | Center For Sleep in NJ, VA

Sleep apnea and heart attack are not directly related. A study indicates that sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart failure and exacerbate symptoms of the condition. Still, cardiovascular diseases are often found in individuals with sleep apnea because the repetitive pauses in breathing can put stress on the circulatory system. Also, the biological pathways associated with both conditions can prevent proper circulation and make it hard to maintain a healthy weight.

Obesity with sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart problems by as much as 30%. However, this risk is lower in women than in men. Furthermore, men with both disorders have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease and stroke. Therefore, it is essential to get checked if you suffer from these conditions.

Get in touch with one of the best sleep apnea treatment centres in Suffolk to get effective relief from your symptoms.

The Link Between Sleep Apnea And Your Heart Problems

While it is not clear whether there is a direct connection between sleep apnea and your heart, there may be a considerably strong link between the two. Sleep apnea patients inhale and exhale against a blocked upper airway during the night. The repeated changes in intrathoracic pressure can cause damage to the heart. This condition can worsen existing problems, including heart failure and atrial fibrillation. In addition, it can cause an increase in the risk of other cardiovascular illnesses, including stroke.

A study by the Cleveland Clinic found a straightforward correlation between sleep apnea and cardiovascular complications. The study found that when someone with heart conditions develops sleep apnea or vice versa, their symptoms would be much worse. This is not surprising because both obstructive sleep apnea and heart conditions are common in male patients. So, there could be a close connection between these two disorders.

The researchers also concluded that there is a strong link between sleep apnea and heart attack. An inability to get adequate oxygen during the night can cause a heart attack in a sleep apnea patient. Therefore, if a person suffers from severe obstructive apnea with co-existing heart conditions, they will be at a higher risk for severe cardiovascular problems.

Can Sleep Apnea Cause Palpitations?

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you must have wondered if your palpitations are related to the disorder. There are various causes of palpitations, including panic reactions and disturbances in heart rhythm. The absence of oxygen can also cause the brain to wake up and trigger a series of symptoms, including palpitations. In addition to causing palpitations, sleep apnea has been linked to other heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation. While it is hard to determine the underlying cause, it is worth consulting your physician.

To learn more about sleep apnea and your heart, visit our sleep & TMJ treatment centre in Suffolk.

OSA & AFib

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) has been associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during the night. AFib occurs when soft tissues in the throat collapse and block the airway, resulting in a decrease in oxygen levels in the body. In this situation, a person's heart rate is reduced, and it begins to beat irregularly. Therefore, people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea have a high risk of developing Atrial Fibrillation.

Several factors can contribute to AFib, including age, high blood pressure, and sinus problems. In many cases, it can result from other conditions, such as a heart infection or a disease. People with this condition have a higher risk of heart failure or heart-related complications. In addition to AFib, studies have shown that OSA is related to stroke risk.

Symptoms

Sleep apnea symptoms include chest pain, neck pain, and a slow, irregular pulse. As a result of the disorder, patients with sleep apnea can have palpitations accompanied by a fluttering heartbeat, skipped beats, and irregular heart rhythm. They may also experience discomfort in other body parts, such as the back, stomach, or upper arms. The condition is often challenging to diagnose as many patients are unaware of their symptoms.

Sleep disorders with cardiac issues are a severe medical condition that requires immediate attention. It is estimated that almost 80% of people with apnea have some form of palpitation, common in those with cardiovascular problems. If you notice pulsations in your neck or chest, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Other Effects

In addition to heart palpitations, sleep apnea can also cause other physical effects. While people sleep with this condition, their blood volume and oxygen levels can drop dramatically. This can increase their blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke, and can also cause mood problems, anxiety, and behavioural disorders.

Diagnosis

To determine if sleep apnea is the root cause of palpitations, a person with this condition will need to undergo a sleep study. This test will be performed overnight in a laboratory under the supervision of a trained technologist. It will record various body functions, including heart rate, oxygen levels, and the rate at which a person breathes, which the doctor will use to grade the severity of your sleep apnea.

Contact one of the most reliable sleep apnea treatment centres in Suffolk for the best treatment.

Sleep Apnea in the 20s

Sleep apnea in the 20s is a relatively common occurrence, but it isn't a life-threatening disorder despite common misconceptions. However, in the older population, it's a silent killer with the potential to lead to severe health problems and cardiovascular diseases.

Often mistaken for a simple snoring condition, sleep apnea is a severe health disorder with serious effects. As with all other forms of sleep-disordered breathing, it can increase your risk of cardiovascular and metabolic complications. So even if you usually snore, you may be suffering from apnea without knowing. 

Symptoms

While symptoms may be subtle, they can indicate sleep apnea. Morning headaches and chronic snoring are often the first indications of apnea. Other sleep apnea symptoms include dry mouth, sore throat, and headaches. You should visit a physician as soon as you notice any of these symptoms. Also, even if you're in your 20s, getting tested for the disorder is essential.

You should seek treatment if you suspect you have a problem with sleep apnea and your heart. You'll be happy you did.

Diagnosis

A sleep study needs to be performed if the doctor suspects sleep apnea in the 20s. The results of the test will confirm if you have apnea or not. Those who have sleep apnea in their twenties should consider getting screened for it as soon as possible. It can be a life-threatening condition in older ages, and the sooner you start treatment, the better.

Women with sleep apnea should be careful and avoid smoke because the condition's risk increases as they get older. The signs of sleep apnea in your twenties are different from those of men in their fifties, so it's essential to see a doctor to get checked.

What Causes Sleep Apnea in the 20s?

Excess weight is the most common cause of sleep apnea in the 20s. If you're overweight, your risk of developing apnea is increased because if your body weight is too heavy, it can restrict your airway during sleep. To prevent this, you should try to lose excess body weight and drink less alcohol to breathe correctly.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Prescribed Medication

Your doctor can prescribe medicines to help open up your airway during sleep. A nasal saline spray can also help you achieve this goal. They can also prescribe antihistamines or nasal decongestants for short-term use. Depending on the severity of the condition, your primary care physician may refer you to a sleep specialist. If this is the case, make sure to ask your doctor about keeping a sleep diary before making an appointment.

Oral Appliances

An oral appliance that works inside the body is also an effective way to treat sleep apnea symptoms. When placed in your mouth, these customised oral contraptions work by keeping your tongue forward while you sleep. You will receive instructions on using the device and when to use it. This procedure can be a great way to treat the condition.

Conclusion

In cases of sleep apnea, a heart attack is common compared to people without apnea. While there is no direct connection between the two conditions, they can aggravate or worsen existing conditions. For example, a person suffering from obstructive apnea is more likely to suffer from atrial fibrillation or a stroke than someone with normal heart health.

If you feel sleep or heart-related discomfort, the sleep apnea treatment centres in Suffolk can help you with leading a healthier life.