Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that we’re still learning so much about. While it has always been understood that sleep apnea can negatively impact your health in a number of ways, studies are now showing just how unhealthy it can become for you. The cessation of breathing caused by sleep apnea as you rest has been shown to increase blood pressure, lower oxygen levels, and negatively impact the brain, heart, and lungs. In fact, those who suffer from sleep apnea are far more likely to develop heart disease or suffer from heart failure.

Despite advances in detection and treatment technology, many people who suffer from sleep apnea still go undiagnosed or untreated for any number of reasons. We’re finding now that many patients who have suffered from heart failure do actually have sleep apnea. Thankfully, with diagnosis and treatment, we are now seeing that it’s not too late to improve their health condition.

Early Diagnosis and Sleep Apnea Treatment help Heart Failure Patients.

The American Journal of Cardiology recently announced that their research shows that patients who have been diagnosed with decompensated congestive heart failure are seeing a reduction in readmissions after undergoing sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Sharma and the research team that worked on the study screened patients who had been admitted to the hospital with heart failure for sleep apnea. Out of 75 patients, 70 were diagnosed with some version of sleep apnea. The team then provided treatment to these individuals by way of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.

The team then tracked the individuals over the next six months to monitor their compliance with their treatment plan. They also tracked any emergency room visits and hospital readmissions. The compliance was monitored by the CPAP computer. In order to be in compliance, the patients would have to utilize the sleep apnea treatment machine a minimum of four hours of use, 70 percent of the time, for four consecutive weeks during the first three months of their sleep apnea treatment.

After the data was collected, the team compared the information and found that there was a significant reduction in hospital visits and readmissions for those who were within compliance of their treatment plan. This reinforces the standing that sleep apnea can cause severe heart problems or worsen existing heart conditions if left untreated.

Symptoms and Diagnosis for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be difficult to diagnose because most people who suffer from the disorder don’t generally remember waking up several times throughout the night. Instead, their spouse or partner may be more likely to notice the symptoms of sleep apnea by witnessing them first hand. There are also secondary symptoms that result from suffering with sleep apnea as well.

If you or a loved one exhibits any of these symptoms, then you may want to consider being evaluated for sleep apnea. The best thing that you can do for your health is seek diagnosis and treatment as early as possible to prevent any permanent damage that may be caused by sleep apnea.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring as well as frequent periods where breathing pauses. People who suffer from sleep apnea may suddenly jolt awake by choking, coughing, gasping for air, or with shortness of breath. Many people who suffer with sleep apnea also wake up with a dry throat and mouth, and headaches. They may also find that they have a difficult time staying asleep. While most people with sleep apnea aren’t aware that they wake up frequently throughout the night, some may mistake the symptoms of sleep apnea for restlessness and insomnia.

Most people who suffer from sleep apnea notice symptoms during the day. The lack of restful sleep in conjunction with the lowered blood oxygen levels can cause them to wake up with headaches and not feeling rested. They may have excessive sleepiness during the day along with an inability to concentrate or stay focused.

You should consult a doctor if you or your partner notices symptoms that may indicate that you could have sleep apnea. Your doctor will be able to discuss your symptoms with you and together you can determine if you need to participate in a sleep study. A sleep study is the best way to diagnose sleep apnea. It allows the doctor to collect data about your body and breathing as you sleep. The data is then analyzed and your doctor makes an informed decision based on the information that has been collected.

There are many treatment options for sleep apnea including lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce or even eliminate your symptoms. It’s important that you work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that will work for you because you want to ensure that it’s doable for your situation and that you’re able to follow the treatment plan.

Don’t put off sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. If you or a loved one is concerned about sleep apnea, reach out to a medical professional for further advice.

If you have any questions about sleep apnea treatments, please contact Mark Levy DDS at (614) 777-7350.