New research reported in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association shows that obstructive sleep apnea may cause changes in blood vessel function that reduces blood supply to the heart. Treating the obstructive sleep apnea for 26 weeks improved blood supply.

This study is the first to show blood vessel changes in sleep apnea patients. Researchers looked for changes in blood vessel function in 108 people who were otherwise healthy.

According to the American Heart Association obstructive sleep apnea affects about 15 million adults in the US and has been linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues of the mouth and throat block the airway during sleep. During this study participants were provided with CPAP therapy which provides a constant airflow that keeps the airway open.

Unfortunately, although CPAP is typically the first treatment offered to patients with obstructive sleep apnea a high percentage of those patients are unable to tolerate sleeping with the masks and hoses. For those patients treatment using oral appliance therapy can be lifesaving. Oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea are highly effective and allow CPAP intolerant patients to sleep and breath easily.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Gregory Lip hopes this research will bring greater awareness of obstructive sleep apnea and heart disease “The condition can be treated, and it is important that clinicians look out for it.”

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are CPAP intolerant please don’t ignore your condition. Contact StoneRidge Dental Care today at 614-476-6696 to find out more about oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.