Sleep Apnea and Cardiac Disease
A large percentage of patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often go without being diagnosed due to their lack of education and understanding of just how serious sleep apnea can be and how it can affect different areas of your body. One of the concerns with sleep apnea is how it can affect your heart.
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Sleep-Disordered Breathing Has Been Associated With:
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Treating Sleep Apnea Helps Heart Failure
Researchers say congestive heart failure affects millions of people and as many as a third of heart failure patients also suffer from OSA. However, effective treatment of OSA resulted in improved heart function in these patients. Significant improved quality of life was also noted for heart failure patients whose OSA was effectively treated. Heart rates and blood pressure levels are also shown to be significantly lower in those who receive CPAP therapy.
Patients with untreated OSA were 2.5 times more likely to suffer a fatal cardiovascular event compared to those whose OSA was treated with CPAP therapy. The importance of getting your OSA treated and getting it treated early is vital to your health, especially if you suffer from an underlying heart-health condition.
Tips to Help You Get Better Rest
The difficult thing with heart disease is often times poor sleep is a symptom without having OSA so it's important to listen to your partner and gut on if you think there is an issue. Some tips to help you get better rest regardless of the diagnosis or while waiting on a treatment plan include:
- Get regular physical activity
- Limit alcohol & caffeine consumption
- Develop a daily and nightly routine
- Sleep on your side
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
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