A recent study suggests that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may have the power to negatively impact the heart in healthy individuals.
Published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, the research looked at 108 subjects to determine the impact OSA might have on their hearts. Ultimately, researchers found that participants suffering from sleep apnea were more likely to show signs of blood vessel abnormalities that could affect their hearts’ ability to function normally.
It’s No Surprise
Past studies have shown that sleep apneics are at a greater risk for all sorts of health problems, from diabetes to dementia and even hearing loss. Because sleep apnea effectively causes sufferers to stop breathing several times throughout the night, they tend to suffer from low blood oxygen levels. With this in mind, it’s not surprising to learn that blood vessel abnormalities are associated with this dangerous sleep disorder.
Getting Help
Though the study shed disturbing light on the dangers associated with OSA, it also provided some positive information. According to researchers, when subjects received CPAP treatment, their symptoms improved within just a few weeks. That said, many patients refuse CPAP treatment, because it can be noisy and uncomfortable.
If you are looking for an effective, comfortable sleep apnea treatment. Oral appliance therapy can have you sleeping comfortably and quietly through the night. To learn more, contact his office today.
