Many individuals with sleep apnea often face unexplained or puzzling health issues. Visits to the doctor can become frustrating when these persistent health problems remain unresolved. Additional medications for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and even continuous dieting, often yield little to no improvement. Patients frequently express, “I just don’t feel any better.”
Healthcare professionals are increasingly screening patients for sleep apnea, as recent studies highlight the connection between sleep apnea and these persistent health issues.
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Snoring is the primary symptom of sleep apnea. Researchers have identified numerous major health issues linked to sleep apnea.
A significant correlation exists between sleep apnea and heart failure, with studies suggesting that up to 37% of individuals with heart failure also suffer from sleep apnea. Treating sleep apnea may have a beneficial impact on heart failure. Evidence indicates that periods of sleep apnea and low blood oxygen levels, combined with high blood pressure, increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Over half of those with sleep apnea have high blood pressure, and unlike most individuals, their blood pressure does not decrease during sleep. Sleep apnea is recognized as an independent, treatable cause of high blood pressure. Other health issues associated with sleep apnea include diabetes, obesity, depression, headaches, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
If you or someone you know snores, is overweight, and struggles with unexplained or persistent health issues, consult your doctor about a sleep test. It could be a valuable link to better health.
