Sleep apnea is a common breathing disorder that can cause significant health problems, including cardiovascular problems. While sleep apnea is not technically considered a cardiovascular disease, it can lead to serious cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep, resulting in pauses in breathing or shallow breaths. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or more, and can occur up to 30 times or more per hour. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which is caused by a blockage in the airway. Other forms of sleep apnea include central sleep apnea, which is caused by the brain not sending the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, and complex sleep apnea syndrome, which is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
What Are the Health Risks of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can cause a number of health problems, including cardiovascular problems. When a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep, it can lead to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which can put additional strain on the heart and can lead to serious cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. Sleep apnea can also cause fatigue, insomnia, and other sleep-related issues, as well as depression and anxiety.
Conclusion
While sleep apnea is not technically considered a cardiovascular disease, it can lead to serious cardiovascular conditions. It is important for people with sleep apnea to seek treatment in order to reduce the risk of developing any of these conditions. Treatment options vary, but may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol; medications; or surgery.