Managing Sleep Apnea to Protect Your Heart: A Patient Guide
Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring or disturbed sleep—it is a serious medical condition that can put your heart at risk if left untreated. When your breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, your body experiences drops in oxygen levels. This forces the heart to work harder, increasing stress on your cardiovascular system. Over time, this constant strain may contribute to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and even heart failure. One of the most common forms, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Patients often do not realize they have this condition until symptoms become severe or a partner notices loud snoring, choking, or gasping at night. Daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and poor concentration are also common warning signs. Managing sleep apnea effectively is essential for long-term heart protection. The first step is getting a proper diagnosis through a sleep study. This test helps doctors understand the s...