You probably already know that sleep is one of the pillars of good health. If you regularly get high-quality sleep, you can expect your brain and body to function better than if you constantly burn the candle at both ends. Unfortunately, if you have sleep apnea, you may have less control over the quantity and quality of your sleep — and your cardiovascular health could be at risk as a result! How is sleep apnea linked to your heart’s well-being, and what can you do to reduce your risk of serious complications? This blog post explains.
Sleep Apnea Is Associated with Cardiovascular Health Problems
There is a growing body of evidence that links sleep apnea to a variety of cardiovascular health issues. Individuals with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to experience:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Heart attack
What Explains the Connection?
The relationship between sleep apnea and cardiovascular problems is complex, but several key mechanisms help explain why sleep apnea can have such a profound impact on your heart. These include:
- Intermittent oxygen deprivation: Sleep apnea causes your breathing to stop, and each time this happens, your blood oxygen drops. This triggers your body to release stress hormones, which can raise blood pressure and contribute to inflammation in the blood vessels.
- Sleep fragmentation: Sleep apnea prevents you from spending an adequate amount of time in deep, restorative stages of sleep. This chronic sleep disruption puts additional strain on your heart and overall cardiovascular system.
- Increased sympathetic activity: Your body responds to frequent awakenings by activating the “fight-or-flight” response, which can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to remain elevated even during the day.
Over time, these repeated stresses can damage your blood vessels, increase the likelihood of plaque buildup, and make your heart more vulnerable to disease.
How Can You Protect Your Heart?
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect both your sleep and your cardiovascular health. One of the most effective ways to address sleep apnea is to pursue professional treatment. For many patients, a custom oral appliance from a dentist who specializes in sleep apnea therapy can make a significant difference. Oral appliances work by gently repositioning your jaw or tongue to keep your airway open throughout the night, thereby reducing or eliminating episodes of restricted breathing.
Of course, it is important to consult with a qualified dentist who can evaluate your needs and create a personalized treatment plan. In addition to using an oral appliance, you should maintain other heart-healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and managing stress.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or have already been diagnosed, do not ignore the risks to your heart! Seek professional care and be proactive about protecting your health. Your wise choices may help you live longer and improve your daily quality of life.
Meet the Practice
Dr. David R. Lloyd is proud to serve as a sleep dentist in the Daytona Beach area. As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he is well-qualified to provide oral appliance therapy. To learn more about this treatment or to request a consultation with our team, contact Serene Sleep Solutions at 386-253-0115.