The Heart of the Matter: The Connection between Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Health

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may believe that the biggest danger in this condition lies in your ability to get a good night’s sleep. Though getting proper rest may be the main problem, disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often pose other risks to your overall health, including to your heart. Here’s how this condition can affect your cardiovascular health, and what you can do about it.

Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

While you likely already know that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can negatively affect your sleep, what you may not realize is that it can be extremely dangerous to your heart. In fact, having OSA can increase your risk of CVD and even lead to worse outcomes from it. Furthermore, it has also been connected to higher rates of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, as well as left ventricular diastolic dysfunction which can raise your risk of heart failure.

Sleep Apnea and Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Another dangerous risk of OSA is an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Researchers believe that this is because sleep apnea may cause abnormal heart rhythms which may lead to sudden cardiac death. This is because it could lower your oxygen levels, activating your fight-or-flight response. This, in combination with the changes the pressure in your chest when your airway closes stresses your heart. It may also increase inflammation and cause dangerous changes in your blood vessels, too.

Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disorders: Who’s at Risk?

Recent studies have connected severe OSA to higher mortality rates, even after accounting for risk factors including obesity. In one five-year study of nearly 11,000 patients, those who had OSA had a higher risk of sudden cardiac death. Participants at the highest risk were people aged 60 and older with moderate to severe sleep apnea. In fact, when their oxygen saturation levels fell below 78 percent, their risk of this increased by 80 percent!

The study also found that among those with OSA, they had two to four times higher risk of abnormal heart rhythms than those without sleep apnea, and people  with OSA are more than 2.5 times as likely to experience sudden death between the hours of 12 am and 6 am.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Cardiovascular Disease with OSA?

If you currently suffer from OSA and are concerned about your heart health, there are many steps you can take to protect your health, including:

• Seek treatment from a sleep dentist for your OSA; this may include an oral sleep appliance, CPAP therapy, or a combination of both.
• Maintain a healthy weight through a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
• Take medications for health conditions including high blood pressure or CVD as prescribed.
• Don’t smoke.
• Be sure to attend your regularly scheduled medical and dental appointments.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing once a day.

Remember, OSA can cause a variety of problems for your overall health, including an increased risk of many cardiovascular conditions. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, cardiovascular problems, or both, be sure to adhere closely to your treatment plan to protect your health and reduce your risk of dangerous complications.

About Dr. Romack

Dr. Deborah Romack is a proud graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry. Throughout her career she has taken a keen interest in topics such as airway obstruction, snoring, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). She is an active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Fort Worth District Dental Society, International Association for Orthodontics, and the American Academy of General Dentistry. To schedule an appointment for sleep apnea therapy at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, please visit our website or call us today at 817-594-3806.