Even Mild Sleep Apnea Puts One’s Heart at Risk
In an article published in the November issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers describe how mild sleep apnea may lead to cardiovascular disease. This risk may exist even in individuals who do not have classic symptoms of sleep apnea, such as excessive daytime sleepiness.
The study compared 64 individuals with mild sleep apnea with 15 subjects who had no sleep apnea. Researchers examined the function of the endothelium, or inner lining of blood vessels, as well as artery stiffness. Moderate and severe sleep apnea has been linked to increased artery stiffness and endothelial dysfunction, which are common in atherosclerosis—or hardening of the arteries—and can lead to high blood pressure.
It was found that even mild sleep apnea can lead to worse endothelial function and greater arterial stiffness. There was not, however, a difference in blood pressures noted in this study.
The finding suggests that those afflicted with mild sleep apnea may be at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and that there may be asymptomatic individuals who share these risks. The researchers are now studying whether, as may be expected, CPAP can improve these problems.
Reference
Kohler, M. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, November 2008; Vol 178: pp 984-988.
Comments
Moderate to severe apnea don’t get the attention they deserve from primary care doctors, for people with mild sleep apnea, it will be up to families to report breathing pauses to doctors. You may need to insist that your doctor order a sleep study. I have been a respiratory therapist for 23 years. The past 11 years I taught cardiac and pulmonary rehab in the patients home. I was shocked over and over again that sleep apnea wasn’t taken more seriously by health care providers, and that the time between diagnosis and treatment was always much too long. There is information available online that suggests that even mild sleep apnea deserves treatment. Print out this article and search for others to print out and take with you. The way to get better care from your doctor is to present your argument well. Go prepared the first visit to your doctor, don’t waste time getting that sleep study ordered! If someone you know stops breathing while they sleep, do not stop pushing until you drive them to get help! Once you have equipment to help with your sleep apnea, it won’t help if you don’t use it. If it isn’t comfortable, keep playing with different masks until you find the right one. There is a device that only covers your nose that was much better tolerated by my patients, and therefore more often used consistently. Feel free to contact me with a comment on my blog if you have any questions.
At Heart Failure Solutions the goal is to identify changes you can make to beat heart disease. Treating sleep apnea is one very big change you can make to protect and regain your quality of life.
Which mask were you referring to? I can’t find anything that I can tolerate. Thanks.
I was unable to tolerate the mask and found a dentist who specialized in oral appliances. I was fitted and after a slight adjustment period with my jaw, I am now able to sleep easily through the night. I dont understand why more sleep apnea specialists do not suggest trying an oral appliance. Insurance companies do not cover near the cost with them that they cover with the CPAP. That is frustrating to me, but I am happy and my mouth pieces are working for my apnea.
Carrie makes a good point. How can I contact her further?