Talk to a doctor about the best ways to treat your sleep apnea and keep your heart rate stable.
Epidemiological research indicates that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increases in the incidence and progression of coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.
Lack of sleep, snoring, and stress from overwork increase heart rate and blood pressure, increase plaque buildup, and put strain on the heart, which can damage not only the heart, but the entire cardiovascular system. Epidemiological research indicates that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with an increased incidence and progression of coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.
Dr Zeenath Begum, a clinical cardiologist at Prashanth Hospitals in Chennai, says, “When a person with obstructive sleep apnea tries to breathe, they inhale against a narrow or closed upper airway. These forced and unsuccessful inhalations can lead to substantial changes in pressure within the chest cavity. Over time, these repetitive changes in intrathoracic pressure can damage the heart. Changes in intrathoracic pressure can lead to atrial fibrillation (an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm), problems with blood flow to the heart, and even heart failure.”
After each pause in breathing, the person with sleep apnea successfully inhales again. This inhalation returns much-needed oxygen to the lungs, blood, and body tissues. “Unfortunately, frequent changes in oxygen levels can cause significant stress on the body, called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can promote systemic inflammation as well as neurochemical and physiological reactions that increase the risk of heart disease,” shares Dr. Begum.
Causes of myocardial ischemia: When you stop breathing during an episode of sleep apnea, your oxygen level can drop. This can lead to hypoxia, when there is a lack of oxygen in the tissues. Hypoxia is a supply and demand problem. The heart demands oxygen, but there is not enough supply. Lack of oxygen to the heart is a condition known as myocardial ischemia, which can lead to the development of arrhythmia.
Trial data provide evidence that treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure improves not only patient-reported outcomes such as sleepiness, quality of life, and mood, but also intermediate cardiovascular endpoints such as blood pressure, cardiac ejection fraction, vascular parameters, and arrhythmias.
Dr. Begum shares that treatment can be different for each person, but there are four forms of treatment:
- Weight loss
- Adopt healthy sleeping habits
- Avoid alcohol or certain medications.
- Using a breathing device at night, such as a CPAP machine
- If you have a moderate case of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend devices, treatments, or surgery to help open your airways. One common form of therapy includes the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. CPAP machines use a mask to deliver constant air pressure to your nose or mouth to help keep your throat open.
- If you have trouble getting a good night's sleep and have a mild case of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, including:
- Do physical activity regularly (but not just before bedtime)
- Avoid caffeine before bedtime
- Incorporate a bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath, turning off the lights, or drinking herbal tea.
- If sleep apnea is left untreated and undiagnosed, it will only get worse with more frequent or longer apnea episodes.
- Talk to a doctor about the best ways to treat your sleep apnea and keep your heart rate stable.
