Can Sleep Apnea Worsen Cardiac Problems?
When you have sleep apnea, your breathing may stop and this is characterized by loud snoring and feeling drowsy after a full night’s sleep. This results from the blockage of airways that restricts air from getting to the lungs. This is why you will gasp for air or snore loudly to allow more air in the lungs.
Research has shown that many patients with this sleeping condition don’t know they have it. Therefore, it is imperative to look for sleep apnea treatment in Colonia, NJ, if you experience sleep apnea symptoms. On top of that, sleep apnea has been linked to cardiovascular problems. This article will give you all the needed information about the association of sleep apnea with heart conditions.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
There are various types of sleep apnea, and the symptoms of central and obstructive sleep apnea overlap, making it challenging to know which type you are suffering from. This is why visiting the dentist in Colonia, NJ, is imperative, as they will be able to diagnose which type you are suffering from.
Here are the most common symptoms linked to sleep apnea. Snoring is one common symptom of sleep apnea. On top of that, you will experience moments where you stop breathing while sleeping; most of the time, another person will tell you when this happens. Gasping for air during sleeping is also associated with sleep apnea. All the symptoms above are all results of the blockage of the airways.
Insomnia is another symptom of sleep apnea. This is because most of the time, the recurrent blockage of airways will make you wake up to gasp for air, which will make you have a disrupted sleeping pattern.
The disrupted sleeping pattern will have an impact on your daily activities. You will be feeling sleepy most times of the day. This is known as hypersomnia. Besides that, you will be struggling to pay attention while awake. This is because of the cumulative sleep you have.
What Are the Complications of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can have serious effects if it is not treated.
There are heart conditions that are linked to progressive sleep apnea. This is because of the sudden drop in oxygen levels in your blood during the night. Obstructive sleep apnea is usually linked to straining the cardiovascular system. What’s more, the condition increases the risk of hypertension, and this is due to the lack of enough oxygen in your blood.
Daytime fatigue is linked to sleep apnea. There are long-term effects of getting inadequate sleep. Due to fatigue, you will become irritable and unproductive during the day as your body is exhausted due to repeated awakenings. Operating machinery when you’re sleep deprived is not recommended. This is because you are drowsy, and workplace accidents are inevitable.
For children who have this condition, there can be behavioral changes as they can perform poorly academic-wise and become depressed or moody.
It becomes difficult to undergo surgery or under general anesthesia with sleep apnea. This is because people with the condition have breathing problems, especially when sedated, so it is important to notify the doctor before surgery.
Sleep Apnea’s Effects on the Cardiovascular System
The effects of sleep apnea do affect not only the heart but also the entire cardiovascular system. The cardiac problems associated with sleep apnea include irregular heartbeat, stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease.
Research is still being conducted to know how sleep apnea worsens cardiac problems, but scientists believe the reduced bloody oxygen levels worsen heart diseases.
When To See a Doctor
There are detrimental effects of untreated sleep apnea. Therefore, it is important to reach out to our dentists in Colonia Dental Associates so that they can reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea and help you have a good night sleep.
If you experience chronic headaches every time you wake up, it might be time to visit the dentist nearby. Sleep apnea can make it challenging to concentrate on your daily activities. This is where looking for medical services is important in ensuring you are back to normal and productive in your occupation.
Decreased libido can also be caused by progressive sleep apnea. You should see a doctor as soon as possible as they will help treat sexual dysfunction.