Having a healthy heart is essential to living a long life, but protecting this important organ from danger can be difficult if you don’t know the risks. If you have untreated sleep apnea, you may believe that ignoring it may only affect your rest, but the truth is that failing to correct this disorder could spell disaster for your cardiovascular health. Here’s why treating sleep apnea could save your life!
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when your breathing stops and restarts during sleep, making it difficult for your body to get proper amounts of oxygen. These pauses are known as apneas, and usually last about ten seconds each, occurring frequently throughout the night.
Sleep apnea has two main types: obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in your airway relaxes and makes it hard to breathe, and central sleep apnea happens when your brain cannot properly regulate your breathing.
How is Sleep Apnea Linked to Your Heart?
Studies have shown that sleep apnea is connected to a wide range of illnesses, from Alzheimer’s disease to diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Obstructive sleep apnea has also been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, and even high blood pressure. Furthermore, some studies have found a connection between ventricular diastolic dysfunction, a condition known to increase your risk of heart failure.
How Do You Treat Sleep Apnea?
In the past, many patients relied on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines to treat sleep apnea. Though somewhat effective, compliance rates for this device are low due to the uncomfortable, awkward mask, complicated machinery, and hard-to-clean tubing. Fortunately, today other options are available in the form of a comfortable, custom-fit oral appliance from your dentist. These devices manually prop open the airway, allowing you to breathe freely without the use of forced air, electricity, or uncomfortable masks. Compliance with orthotic devices is generally much higher than CPAP, making it more effective at helping you get a better night’s sleep and potentially lowering your risk of a variety of dangerous heart conditions.
To learn more about sleep apnea appliances from your dentist, schedule a consultation today and get ready to get all the rest your heart desires!
About Dr. Ghandi
Dr. Khushboo Ghandi earned her first dental degree in India in 2006 and continued her dental education here in America at a program for international dentists at the Oklahoma College of Dentistry. A member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Dental Association, she regularly takes continuing education classes at Baylor College of Dentistry and Spear Education and is certified in Invisalign and nitrous oxide. To schedule a consultation for sleep apnea treatment at Murphy Dental Home, visit our website or call us today at 972-532-6506.