The Consequences of Uncontrolled Sleep Apnea
However, it turns out that the quality of your sleep is also important for the health of your heart. Undiagnosed sleep apnea, in particular, is directly linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic health. What’s the scariest part? You may be unaware that you have this very common issue. You need to consult if you had that problem, one of the best references is Liberty Sleep Apnea. According to Jun, sleep apnea affects about 3% of normal-weight people but more than 20% of obese people. However, sleep apnea rates in women skyrocket after menopause. Sleep apnea is frequently associated with heart disease and metabolic issues such as diabetes.
– Obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular risk, and metabolism
According to Jun, several studies have found a link between sleep apnea and problems such as type 2 diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, and even a shorter lifespan. Why is there this link? For starters, obesity is common in sleep apnea patients, and obesity increases the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart attack significantly. Weight loss is critical for treating or avoiding sleep apnea in people who are overweight or obese. People who have excess fat in their neck, tongue, or upper abdomen are predisposed to sleep apnea. This weight narrows the throat and presses against the lungs, contributing to airway collapse while sleeping.
– Diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea for improved health
It is critical to treat sleep apnea because it can have long-term health consequences. While there have been some high-profile deaths linked to sleep apnea, such as Judge Antonin Scalia, Jun believes that the true risk is from long-term damage. According to the apnea-hypopnea index, obstructive sleep apnea can range from mild to severe. The AHI calculates the number of breathing pauses you have per hour of sleep. The severity of your sleep apnea, as well as whether or not you have symptoms such as sleepiness, determine whether or not you require treatment. For example, if you have heart disease risk factors, your doctor may choose to treat even mild sleep apnea. If you have a severe case of sleep apnea, your doctor may insist on treatment even if you aren’t sleepy.