The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Heart Health: Expert Insights
News 18Sleep deprivation, snoring, overworked stress raises heart rate, elevates blood pressure, increases plaque buildup and puts stress on the heart and potentially damage not only the heart, but the whole cardiovascular system. 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. Intrathoracic pressure changes can lead to atrial fibrillation, problems with blood flow to the heart, and even heart failure.” After each pause in breath, a person with sleep apnea once again inhales successfully. Data from trials 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 end points such as blood pressure, cardiac ejection fraction, vascular parameters, and arrhythmias.