Written by: Joshua Mari Descalso
Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring or feeling tired during the day—it’s a serious health condition that can put your heart at risk. If you or someone you know struggles with sleep apnea, it’s important to understand how it affects the body, especially the heart. Can sleep apnea kill you? The answer is yes, if left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and even sudden death. But the good news is that sleep apnea can be treated, helping to reduce these dangers and improve overall health.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea happens when a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This occurs because the airway becomes blocked or the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe properly. When this happens, oxygen levels drop, causing stress on the heart and other organs. Can sleep apnea kill you? Yes, as it can lead to severe health complications if not managed properly.
There are two main types of sleep apnea:
The first type would be the most common type which is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much, blocking airflow. The second type of sleep apnea would be central sleep apnea (CSA). This occurs when the brain doesn’t send the correct signals to control breathing.
People with severe sleep apnea can stop breathing many times during the night, sometimes for seconds or even minutes at a time. This repeated disruption puts significant strain on the heart, increasing the risk of serious health issues.
How Sleep Apnea Affects the Heart
Sleep apnea directly affects the heart by interrupting normal breathing, reducing oxygen levels, and putting extra stress on the cardiovascular system. Here’s how it harms heart health:
1. Raises Blood Pressure
Monitoring health to understand the effects of sleep apnea.
Every time breathing stops, the body reacts by releasing stress hormones that cause blood pressure to rise. Over time, this can lead to chronic high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Increases the Risk of Heart Attacks
Heart attack. Man clutching his chest from acute pain. Heart attack symptom.
When the body doesn’t get enough oxygen, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. This extra strain increases the risk of heart attacks, especially during sleep when oxygen levels drop the most.
3. Causes Irregular Heartbeats (Arrhythmias)
Monitoring vital signs to assess the risks of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can throw off the heart’s rhythm, leading to irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias. One of the most dangerous arrhythmias linked to sleep apnea is atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can cause blood clots and increase the risk of stroke or heart failure.
4. Raises the Risk of Stroke
Assisting an elderly stroke patient during recovery.
Oxygen deprivation and high blood pressure caused by sleep apnea make it more likely for a stroke to occur. Studies show that people with untreated sleep apnea have a much higher chance of suffering a stroke than those without the condition.
5. Contributes to Heart Failure
The heart-related risks of untreated sleep apnea.
Over time, repeated drops in oxygen levels can weaken the heart muscle, leading to heart failure. This means the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should, causing symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Sleep Apnea and Higher Risk of Death
Because of its harmful effects on the heart, untreated sleep apnea can significantly shorten a person’s life. Research shows that severe sleep apnea increases the risk of sudden cardiac death, especially at night when oxygen levels drop to dangerously low levels. Can sleep apnea kill you? Yes, and studies have confirmed that it can contribute to life-threatening complications.
The combination of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms makes untreated sleep apnea a major health risk.
How to Lower the Risk
The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated, which can greatly reduce the risk of heart problems and even extend your life. Here are some ways to manage it effectively:
1. Use a CPAP Machine
A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is one of the best treatments for sleep apnea. It delivers a steady flow of air to keep the airway open, preventing breathing interruptions. Regular CPAP use can lower blood pressure, reduce heart strain, and improve overall heart health.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight increases the chances of having obstructive sleep apnea. Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce symptoms and improve breathing at night.
3. Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives
Alcohol and sedative medications relax the throat muscles, making it more likely for the airway to collapse during sleep. Avoiding these substances, especially before bedtime, can help keep your breathing steady.
4. Adopt Good Sleep Habits
Simple changes like sleeping on your side instead of your back can help prevent airway blockages. Using a wedge pillow, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a comfortable sleeping environment can also improve sleep quality.
5. Manage Other Health Issues
High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can make sleep apnea worse. Keeping these conditions under control with medication, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can help lower the risks associated with sleep apnea.
Get the Right Treatment with CPAP Pros
CPAP machine used to treat sleep apnea.
If you or a loved one has sleep apnea, it’s important to seek proper treatment. At CPAP Pros, we offer high-quality CPAP machines, masks, and accessories to help manage sleep apnea effectively. Our experts are here to help you find the best solutions so you can breathe better, sleep soundly, and protect your heart health.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is not just a minor inconvenience—it’s a serious condition that can put your heart and overall health at risk. Without treatment, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and even sudden death. Can sleep apnea kill you? Absolutely, but the good news is that effective treatments like CPAP therapy and lifestyle changes can help reduce these risks and improve your quality of life. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take charge of your health today. Visit CPAP Pros to find the best sleep apnea solutions and start your journey to better heart health and restful sleep.
Contact Us:
CPAP Pros is able to offer their services to you without ever having to leave your home! Our equipment can be shipped free of charge and our clinical team members are available to assist you virtually.
Address:
250
555 Sixth Street
New Westminster BC V3L5H1
Contact Number:
Phone: 604-229-1630
Fax:
Phone: 1-833-490-1315
Email:
info@cpappros.ca
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