Adults with this disorder twice as likely to develop cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for a significant number of deaths and disabilities worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organization states that it is the leading cause of death globally.

Although there are various risk factors that can contribute to cardiovascular diseases, scientists have discovered that adults with a certain disorder are twice as likely to develop it.

What is the disorder?

The disorder in question is known as obstructive sleep apnea. It is a sleep disorder that affects breathing during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing that can last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute.

This can result in a decreased oxygen supply to the body, which can lead to various health complications.

Connection between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular diseases

Although obstructive sleep apnea can affect individuals of any age, it is particularly prevalent in adults.

Studies have shown that adults with this disorder are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. This is due to the fact that the decreased oxygen supply to the body during sleep can cause various changes in the cardiovascular system, leading to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction.

Effects of obstructive sleep apnea on the cardiovascular system

Research has shown that obstructive sleep apnea can lead to various changes in the cardiovascular system that can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. These changes include:.

Inflammation: Obstructive sleep apnea can cause an increase in inflammatory markers in the blood, leading to inflammation in the cardiovascular system. This inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries.
Oxidative stress: Obstructive sleep apnea can also lead to an increase in oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to detoxify them. This can cause damage to the cells in the cardiovascular system, leading to various health complications.
Vascular dysfunction: The repeated pauses in breathing during sleep can cause changes in the blood vessels, leading to vascular dysfunction. This can cause a decrease in the ability of the blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased blood pressure and decreased blood flow.

Treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea

Fortunately, there are various treatment options available for obstructive sleep apnea. These include:.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): This is a treatment that involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth during sleep, which delivers continuous air pressure to keep the airway open.
Oral appliances: These are devices that are worn in the mouth during sleep, which can help to keep the airway open.
Lifestyle changes: Making certain lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and quitting smoking can also help to improve the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

Conclusion

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that can significantly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke in adults.

However, with the various treatment options available, it is possible to manage the symptoms of this disorder and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.