Sleep Apnea and Heart Health
People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Sleep Apnea & Heart Health
People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. During episodes of sleep apnea, a person's airway collapses, making it difficult to breathe for brief periods of time. The repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep can cause the body to release stress hormones, which can increase blood pressure, inflammation, blood clotting, and changes in heart rhythm.
OSA can affect heart health and the development of cardiovascular conditions which include, but are not limited to:
- High blood pressure: Untreated sleep apnea causes blood pressure to rise, which can put additional strain on the heart. See our blog post on hypertension to read more about the relationship between OSA and high blood pressure.
- Arrhythmias: OSA may cause changes in the heart's electrical activity, leading to abnormal, potentially fatal, heart rhythms.
- Heart failure: Over time, the stress of untreated OSA can lead to heart failure.
- Stroke: Hypertension and atrial fibrillation, both caused by OSA, can greatly increase a person's risk for stroke.
- Coronary artery disease: OSA can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) due to hypoxia (low blood oxygen), increased sympathetic nervous system activity (blood pressure & heart rate), insulin resistance, abnormal blood clotting and inflammation.
The disruption of sleep caused by OSA can also contribute to daytime sleepiness and fatigue, which can further impact heart health by affecting physical activity levels and lifestyle behaviors.
Treatment for OSA, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or oral appliance therapy, can help to improve heart health by reducing the frequency and severity of sleep apnea episodes. It is important for individuals with OSA to work closely with healthcare providers to manage their sleep apnea and reduce their risk for heart disease.
If you think that you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of OSA, visit mygemsleep.com. If you are already a patient of GEM SLEEP, your coach can support you through diagnosis and starting treatment to experience the health benefits of successfully treating sleep apnea.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.
Sleep Apnea & Heart Health
People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. During episodes of sleep apnea, a person's airway collapses, making it difficult to breathe for brief periods of time. The repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep can cause the body to release stress hormones, which can increase blood pressure, inflammation, blood clotting, and changes in heart rhythm.
OSA can affect heart health and the development of cardiovascular conditions which include, but are not limited to:
- High blood pressure: Untreated sleep apnea causes blood pressure to rise, which can put additional strain on the heart. See our blog post on hypertension to read more about the relationship between OSA and high blood pressure.
- Arrhythmias: OSA may cause changes in the heart's electrical activity, leading to abnormal, potentially fatal, heart rhythms.
- Heart failure: Over time, the stress of untreated OSA can lead to heart failure.
- Stroke: Hypertension and atrial fibrillation, both caused by OSA, can greatly increase a person's risk for stroke.
- Coronary artery disease: OSA can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) due to hypoxia (low blood oxygen), increased sympathetic nervous system activity (blood pressure & heart rate), insulin resistance, abnormal blood clotting and inflammation.
The disruption of sleep caused by OSA can also contribute to daytime sleepiness and fatigue, which can further impact heart health by affecting physical activity levels and lifestyle behaviors.
Treatment for OSA, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or oral appliance therapy, can help to improve heart health by reducing the frequency and severity of sleep apnea episodes. It is important for individuals with OSA to work closely with healthcare providers to manage their sleep apnea and reduce their risk for heart disease.
If you think that you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of OSA, visit mygemsleep.com. If you are already a patient of GEM SLEEP, your coach can support you through diagnosis and starting treatment to experience the health benefits of successfully treating sleep apnea.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.