Unmasking the Dangers: The Link Between Untreated Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Risks
We all know how important a good night’s sleep is for our health and well-being. However, for people with sleep apnea – a disorder that causes interruptions in breathing during sleep – getting quality rest can be nearly impossible. Sleep apnea complications can lead to constant fatigue and low energy levels, but recently, it has shown a connection with the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
In this post, we will dive into the dangers and connection of untreated sleep apnea and cardiovascular health and learn about sleep apnea treatment for better rest and heart health.
Who Is Most Affected by Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea may affect people of any gender, age or body type. However, several factors may increase the risk of developing this disorder.
- Excess weight or obesity
- For people over 40 years old, it can affect individuals of any age.
- Men are generally at a higher risk than women, although the risk for women increases after menopause.
- A naturally narrow airway, which can be inherited
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and hormonal disorders (like polycystic ovary syndrome)
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Understanding the Link between Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Health
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the back of the throat’s muscles can’t keep the airway open despite breathing efforts. While less common, central sleep apnea (CSA) happens when the brain fails to signal the breathing-control muscles. Complex sleep apnea is both OSA and CSA.
The repetitive episodes of apnea lead to intermittent oxygen deprivation, which can trigger a series of stress responses in the body. This deprivation can increase heart rate and elevated blood pressure, putting excess strain on the cardiovascular system.
Several cardiovascular issues from sleep apnea are reported. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can develop due to the increased strain on the heart from the apneic events. Heart failure may occur when the heart is overworked and cannot pump effectively, leading to fluid build-up and breathlessness.
Sleep apnea is also linked to coronary artery disease (CAD), where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the heart, and heart arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats that can arise from constant fluctuations in oxygen levels. Furthermore, individuals with sleep apnea have a higher risk of stroke, as the condition can contribute to blood clot formation due to changes in blood oxygen levels and vessel health.
To ensure proper diagnosis and prevention of serious health complications, it’s important to look for the best home sleep apnea test that can identify the condition early. Early detection allows individuals to seek treatment before cardiovascular damage becomes severe.
How Orthodontists Can Help Mitigate Sleep Apnea Risks
Orthodontists can help diagnose and treat sleep apnea related to structural issues in the oral cavity. Through comprehensive evaluations, they can identify misalignments or abnormalities in the jaw and teeth that may contribute to airway obstruction during sleep.
At SmileTeam, we offer effective dental sleep apnea treatments, including two types of oral appliances: the Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) and the Tongue Retaining Mouthpiece. The MAD works by shifting the lower jaw forward to widen the airway while the Tongue Retaining Mouthpiece holds the tongue forward to prevent it from blocking the throat. Both devices provide relief from sleep apnea symptoms and contribute positively to cardiovascular health by reducing the frequency of apneic events and improving blood oxygen levels.
Early sleep apnea detection is paramount, as it allows for timely intervention, significantly reducing the risk of related cardiovascular complications.
