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Things You Should KnowAt CPAP.com we strive to provide you with the resources needed to effectively treat Sleep Apnea. Knowledge should be among those resources. Since such a high number of CPAP users struggle with cardiovascular disease, we want to share some research on how Obtrusive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects cardiovascular disease. While some findings are scary, it is important to realize sleep therapy can positively affect cardiovascular symptoms.
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OSA patients tend to have more active Sympathetic Nervous Systems (SNS).
Our SNS is responsible for controlling involuntary body functions like heart rate and blood vessel constriction, which can lead to a higher blood pressure. (1)
Sleep Apnea alone puts you at higher risk for developing high blood pressure.
While the cause and effect relationship of Sleep Apnea and cardiovascular disease are uncertain, one study indicated patients with Sleep Apnea were at higher risk for developing high blood pressure, even if they had no cardiovascular symptoms. (1)
For those with Sleep Apnea, heart attacks are more likely to occur at night.
For the general population heart attacks tend to occur during waking hours, between 6 AM and noon. However, one study indicated for those with untreated Sleep Apnea, heart attacks were more likely to occur between midnight and 6 AM. This may point to OSA as the first disorder to have an impact on the time of day in which a heart attack takes place. To the right, Dr. Somers, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, talks about his findings, and discusses how this high rate of heart attacks during typical sleep hours may be helped by utilizing CPAP therapy. (2)
Utilizing sleep therapy may positively affect cardiovascular symptoms.
Sleep Review magazine recently did an interview with Dr. Leslie Miller, the chief of integrated cardiology programs at Georgetown University Hospital and School of Medicine. In the interview he discusses a study that tested two groups both having cardiovascular disease and Sleep Apnea. Half of the group received BiPAP therapy, and half did not. The group receiving therapy for just four hours a night found positive affects on blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin resistance. (3)
American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology urge research.
These findings have already taught doctors a great deal about the benefits of sleep therapy, but they have not yet even begin to scratch the surface. The AHA and ACC made a joint statement calling for more research. In the statement, patients are urged to "ask their doctors about treatment and prevention for both their sleep apnea and their cardiovascular disease". (4) We hope this newsletter has strengthened your resolve in treating your Sleep Apnea. If you know someone with cardiovascular problems, please share a link to this page with them.
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