Sleep Apnea And Heart Health: Can This Sleep Disorder Lead To Hypertension?

Can sleep apnea also raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes? Know what Dr. Himanshu Garg says.

Sleep apnea is a very complicated sleep disorder which is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, sleep apnea affects the quality of rest and poses significant risks to overall health. It is a very prevalent sleep disorder with far-reaching consequences including your heart. According to Dr. Himanshu Garg, Respiratory & Sleep Physician, Gold Coast Lung & Sleep Clinic, "Sleep apnea also raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes due to repeated drops in blood oxygen levels. It is also linked to type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and liver problems." Read on to know more about how these diseases are linked to sleep apnea.

8 Ways Sleep Apnea Can Impact Your Heart And Other Organs

Here are 8 possible impacts of sleep apnea on heart health and other organs as per experts:

1. Can lead to high blood pressure: Studies have linked sleep apnea with heart diseases. Sleep apnea can cause hypertension or high blood pressure. This in turn can lead to heart-related diseases.
2. Cardiovascular issues: Sleep apnea and its symptoms can lead to cardiovascular strain. This strain in turn can also cause heart-related issues like high blood pressure.
3. High risk of stroke: Strain on the heart and high blood pressure can also lead to high stroke risk.
4. Increased blood pressure: Sleep apnea can increase blood pressure, which can lead to hypertension.
5. Irregular heartbeats: Sleep apnea can increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation.
6. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: Sleep apnea can cause left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, which increases the risk of heart failure.
7. Sympathetic nervous system activation: When a person with sleep apnea stops breathing, the sympathetic nervous system activates, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
8. Sleep apnea can also lead to type-2 diabetes, liver health problems and metabolic syndrome.

Dr. Garg also says that, diagnosis typically begins with a visit to a healthcare provider, who may recommend a sleep study or polysomnography. This test monitors various physiological parameters during sleep, such as breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain activity. Treating sleep apnea is essential to improve quality of life and reduce associated health risks. With awareness and intervention, individuals can enjoy restful nights and improved well-being.