Sleep Apnea And Increased Risk Of Heart Disease
At TMD & Sleep Apnea Clinic, we are passionate about diagnosing and treating patients who suffer from sleep apnea. Unfortunately, approximately 80% of sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed. Not only is this disheartening because adults are not getting the sleep they need and deserve, but these individuals are also more likely to experience serious health issues. One health issue that can be the result of untreated sleep apnea is cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the broad term for anyone who experiences any disease that affects the heart or blood vessels.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect the Heart?
Patients who experience sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly through the night. When breathing stops, it affects the level of oxygen in the bloodstream. When this happens night after night, it can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate as your body tries to regulate itself and get the oxygen it needs to function properly. These continuous changes can also lead to an irregular heartbeat. When strain is repeatedly being put on the heart due to the effects of sleep apnea, it is possible to experience heart failure.
How to Help Your Heart
Aside from receiving treatment from our office, one of the best ways you can help your heart is through lifestyle changes. One of the easiest ways to help your heart is to increase movement. This is particularly important if you are suffering from sleep apnea due to weight gain. There are a number of healthy ways to add movement into your daily routine. Taking a brisk walk or jog is always beneficial. Many patients also enjoy yoga and swimming as well. Other lifestyle changes that can improve your health include limiting alcohol consumption, eliminating tobacco products, and limiting caffeine.
If you are located in the Silverdale, WA area and have questions about sleep apnea and how it can affect your health be sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment. We would love to help you improve your quality of life and improve your overall health.
