Sleep deprivation, snoring, overworked stress raises heart rate, elevates blood pressure, increases plaque buildup and puts stress on the heart and potentially damage not only the heart, but the whole cardiovascular system. Epidemiological research indicates that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increases in the incidence and progression of coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.
Dr Zeenath Begum, Clinical Cardiologist, Prashanth Hospitals, Chennai, says, “When a person with obstructive sleep apnea attempts to breathe, they inhale against a narrowed or closed upper airway. These unsuccessful, forced inhalations can cause substantial changes in pressure within the chest cavity. Over time, these repetitive changes in intrathoracic pressure can damage the heart. Intrathoracic pressure changes can lead to atrial fibrillation (an irregular, often rapid heartbeat), problems with blood flow to the heart, and even heart failure.”
After each pause in breath, a person with sleep apnea once again inhales successfully. This inhale brings much-needed oxygen back into the lungs, blood, and body tissues. “Unfortunately, frequent changes in oxygen levels can cause significant stress on the body, called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can promote systemic inflammation, as well as neurochemical and physiological reactions that increase the risk of heart disease,” shares Dr Begum.
Causing myocardial ischemia – When you stop breathing during a sleep apnea episode, your oxygen can drop. This could lead to hypoxia — when there’s a lack of oxygen to your tissues. Hypoxia is a supply-and-demand concern. The heart demands oxygen, but there isn’t enough of a supply. Not enough oxygen to the heart is a condition known as myocardial ischemia, which can lead to developing arrhythmia.
Data from trials provide evidence that treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure improves not only patient-reported outcomes such as sleepiness, quality of life, and mood but also intermediate cardiovascular end points such as blood pressure, cardiac ejection fraction, vascular parameters, and arrhythmias.
Dr Begum shares that treatment can look different for everyone, but four forms of treatment include:
- Weight loss
- Adopting healthy sleep habits
- Avoiding alcohol or certain medications
- Using a breathing device at night, such as a CPAP machine
- If you have a moderate case of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend devices, treatments or surgery to help open your airway. A common form of therapy includes using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. CPAP machines use a mask to deliver constant air pressure into your nose or mouth to help keep your throat open.
- If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep and you have a mild case of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes including:
- Getting regular physical activity (but not right before bed)
- Avoiding caffeine before bed
- Incorporating a pre-bedtime routine like taking a warm bath, dimming the lights or having herbal tea
- If sleep apnea goes untreated and undiagnosed it will only get worse with more frequent or longer apneic episodes.
- Talk with a doctor about the best ways for you to treat your sleep apnea and keep your heart rate steady.
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