The Connection Between Sleep Apnea And Heart Health

A good night’s sleep supports your overall health, but the quality of your breathing during sleep matters, too. Sleep apnea repeatedly interrupts normal breathing, which can place stress on your cardiovascular system.

Obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with several heart-related conditions, including high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Heart

With obstructive sleep apnea, the airway becomes blocked while you sleep. Your breathing can stop temporarily before starting again. These repeated interruptions can affect oxygen levels and trigger changes in your heart rate and blood pressure.

Some of the health concerns linked with sleep apnea include:

• High blood pressure
• Irregular heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Stroke

Sleep apnea doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop one of these conditions. However, the connection makes recognizing and addressing possible sleep apnea symptoms important.

Know The Signs

You may not realize your breathing is interrupted while you sleep. In many cases, a partner or family member notices the symptoms first.

Watch for:

• Loud or persistent snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Breathing pauses noticed by someone else
• Frequent nighttime waking
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth in the morning
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
  
• Difficulty concentrating

If you experience these symptoms, particularly if you also have high blood pressure or another cardiovascular condition, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should be evaluated for sleep apnea.

The Role Of Your Dentist

Your dentist can play a role in recognizing possible obstructive sleep apnea. During routine dental care, we may notice certain oral characteristics or discuss symptoms that could point to a breathing problem during sleep.

If you receive a sleep apnea diagnosis, your dentist may also be able to provide an oral appliance when it’s appropriate for your condition. Treatment should be based on your individual needs and coordinated with your healthcare team when necessary.

Protect Your Sleep And Overall Health

Sleep apnea can affect more than how you feel the next morning. Recognizing the warning signs and getting an appropriate evaluation can help you take an important step toward healthier sleep and better overall health.

Contact Dr. John Aylmer at 954-204-3382 to schedule an appointment at Snoring and Sleep Apnea Solutions in Weston, FL 33326.