Getting to the Heart of the Issue: The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a troublesome condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Without a formal diagnosis and professional treatment, the problem of inadequate rest can worsen over time, resulting in drowsy driving, chronic fatigue, irritability, memory loss, and even cardiovascular disease. As you read, discover what kind of effect sleep apnea can have on your heart and what you can do about it.

Sleep Apnea & The Heart: How Do They Connect?

Stroke, heart attack, and even sudden cardiac arrest are all real concerns when living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

What happens is that each time an airway obstruction occurs, it prevents air from flowing. This triggers your brain to alert your body to breathe. This can cause you to wake up gasping for air and/or choking. If this were to only happen once, it would still be concerning, but some OSA patients can have dozens or even up to a hundred episodes each night.

Oxygen levels are lower during these episodes, causing your body to enter fight-or-flight mode. As a result, your heart experiences additional stress and can trigger any of the events listed at the beginning of this article.

How to Tell You Have Sleep Apnea

Although a licensed physician is the only one who can officially diagnose you with sleep apnea, some symptoms can indicate there may be a problem that is worth checking on:

• Loud snoring
• Chronic daily fatigue
• Moodiness
• Memory loss
• Drowsy driving
• Ceased breathing for 10 seconds or more, multiple times a night
• Gasping or choking when waking up
• Frequent nightly urination

How Can a Sleep Dentist Help?

If you believe you have one or more of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait to see a sleep dentist. After undergoing a formal study that monitors your heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing, etc., you can pursue additional treatment with the help of a custom oral appliance.

Wearing this each night while asleep can keep your airway open so that you do not stop breathing because of an obstruction. Instead, you will get much-needed rest and minimize any unnecessary stress on your heart.

Don’t risk your overall health and heart by avoiding sleep apnea treatment. See a professional who can help you breathe easily and get the essential rest you need to live a happy and healthy life.

About the Author
Dr. Philip A. Lisk is a dentist with over 20 years of experience who cares about more than just your smile. He also takes an interest in your sleep patterns. As someone who has pursued sleep dentistry, he has completed over 90 hours of continuing education courses in obstructive sleep apnea and oral appliance therapy. Dr. Lisk is also a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you struggle to get ample rest each night and you’re worried it may be impacting your overall health, visit our website or call (919) 870-6892 to schedule an appointment.