Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. CVD refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to heart attack, chest pain, or stroke.

There are many risk factors that contribute to the development of CVD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. However, recent studies have found that there is a higher risk of CVD in individuals with a specific disorder, which we will explore in this article.

What is the disorder?

The disorder we are referring to is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Symptoms include loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating.

There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, while CSA occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Why is sleep apnea a risk factor for CVD?

There are many ways in which sleep apnea can contribute to the development of CVD. Here are a few:.

High blood pressure

During an apnea event, the oxygen levels in the blood decrease, causing the body to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can cause the blood vessels to narrow and increase blood pressure.

Over time, a person with sleep apnea may develop chronic high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for CVD.

Changes in heart rhythm

People with sleep apnea may experience episodes of bradycardia (slow heart rate) or tachycardia (fast heart rate) during sleep. These changes in heart rhythm can put added stress on the heart and contribute to the development of CVD.

Irregular breathing

The repeated stopping and starting of breathing during sleep can cause fluctuations in the oxygen levels in the blood. This can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to the blood vessels, all of which are risk factors for CVD.

Obesity

Obesity is a common risk factor for both sleep apnea and CVD. Studies have found that people with sleep apnea are more likely to be obese, which can contribute to the development of other risk factors for CVD, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Diabetes

There is a strong link between sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a major risk factor for CVD, as it can cause damage to the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

What can be done to reduce the risk?

If you have sleep apnea, it is important to seek treatment to reduce your risk of developing CVD. Treatment options include:.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

CPAP is a common treatment for sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask over your nose and/or mouth while you sleep, which delivers a continuous flow of air to keep your airway open.

Studies have found that using CPAP can reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Lifestyle changes

There are many lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of CVD. These include:.

Losing weight if you are obese
Exercising regularly
Eating a healthy diet
Quitting smoking
Reducing alcohol intake

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can have serious health consequences if left untreated. Studies have found that sleep apnea is a risk factor for CVD, and it is important to seek treatment to reduce your risk.

If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness, talk to your doctor about getting a diagnosis and treatment.