Sleep apnea affects health in many ways, particularly the cardiovascular system. Want to know more? Keep reading.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common condition. It is characterized by the obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, often accompanied by a drop in blood oxygen saturation and brief awakenings to breathe. The main symptoms include loud and frequent snoring, breathing pauses, fragmented sleep, and, as a result, disabling daytime symptoms such as excessive drowsiness, cognitive impairments (memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and decreased work productivity), and morning headaches.
One of the most significant diseases associated with sleep apnea is coronary artery disease.
Coronary Artery Disease and Its Relationship to Obstructive Sleep Apnea
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming more than 17 million lives each year. Among them is coronary artery disease, which damages the heart’s main blood vessels. These coronary arteries make up the coronary circulation. When fatty deposits build up inside the arteries, their diameter narrows, restricting blood flow to the heart.
Coronary artery disease is common. In some cases, it causes no symptoms, but it can also lead to chest pain or even infarction
According to the article “Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Cardiovascular Diseases”, published in the Brazilian journal Neurociências (2014, http://www.revistaneurociencias.com.br/), an estimated 25% of patients with sleep apnea also have coronary artery disease, with higher prevalence in those with moderate to severe apnea.
Diagnosis of sleep apnea requires a sleep study. One option is the Biologix Sleep Test®, a simple, practical, and efficient at-home test that eliminates the need to spend the night in a sleep lab. At bedtime, the user simply places the Oxistar® sensor, a high-performance oximeter, on their finger and starts the test in the Biologix app. The following morning, the results are available within seconds, allowing the evaluation of sleep apnea.
Another diagnostic method is polysomnography, a more comprehensive test conducted overnight in a sleep lab. During this procedure, sensors monitor airflow through the nose and mouth, blood oxygenation, heart rate, brain activity, and limb and thorax movement.
Which is the right treatment? For patients diagnosed with sleep apnea, treatment aims to control symptoms and reduce cardiovascular risk. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach and depends on the severity of apnea. Options include weight loss, oral appliances, and/or CPAP (a device that generates airflow to keep the airways open). In addition, all patients with sleep apnea should adopt healthier lifestyle habits to improve overall well-being.
Some recommendations to help you “fall into Morpheus’ arms” (a popular expression that refers to the Greek god of dreams) include:
- Practicing good sleep hygiene.
- Losing excess weight.
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
- Avoiding drugs, alcohol, and smoking.
DISCLAIMER: Only properly qualified physicians can diagnose diseases, recommend treatments and prescribe medications. The information available herein is for educational purposes only.
