Sleep and the Heart

How Does OSA Affect the Heart?

Recent research has implicated OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) as a key, significant risk factor in development of hypertension, cerebral infarction, and ischemic heart disease. Many of these adverse cardiovascular effects have been attributed to the ample prevalence of OSA amongst most cardiovascular patients.

OSA, Hypertension, and Stroke

OSA is very common in patients with hypertension, with studies suggesting that up to half of all hypertensive patients may have significant sleep apnea. Improvement in hypertension control has been reported to occur in many patients that have both conditions following OSA treatment. In addition, patients with sleep apnea or heavy snoring may have up to a 50% decrease in brain blood flow during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and as high as a 50% increase in the incidence of stroke.

Why You Should Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In short, OSA saves lives. Treatment will improve depressive symptoms, cognitive functioning and may be an important tool in preventing stroke and lowering blood pressure.

The most common, and repeatedly successful, treatment for OSA is nasal Positive Airway Pressure (PAP). PAP works by delivering a lightly pressurized stream of air via a nasal mask. This pressurized air stream holds the airway open, preventing the tissue collapse which causes apneas. There are several types of PAP devices, including continuous, bilevel and autotitrating.

Best of all, this treatment is done without medications and it’s all covered by most insurance plans. So there’s no reason NOT to seek treatment. Talk to your cardiologist for more information, getting treatment for OSA early on could mean that you'll rest a whole lot easier in the future.