How Does Sleep Apnea Affect the Heart?
There is a strong link between sleep apnea and heart health. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep, causing poor sleep quality and disrupted sleep patterns. This can have a significant impact on heart health in several ways.
First, sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When breathing is repeatedly disrupted during sleep, the body responds by releasing stress hormones, which can increase blood pressure and put additional strain on the heart and blood vessels.
Second, sleep apnea can increase the risk of inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to contribute to the development of heart disease. People with sleep apnea also have a higher risk of developing metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, which can further increase the risk of heart disease.
Finally, sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.
Treating sleep apnea is important for maintaining good heart health. By improving sleep quality and reducing stress hormone levels, sleep apnea treatment can help to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health. It's important to work closely with your doctor to determine the best treatment options for your specific needs.
At CPAPMAN, we offer home sleep apnea testing that is convenient, effective and affordable. Click here or contact us for details.