The Hidden Link Between Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease – What Denver Residents Need to Know

February Is National Heart Month – Improve Your Sleep to Protect Your Heart

February is National Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health and the often-overlooked factors that contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, and strokes. While diet and exercise play a key role in maintaining a healthy heart, one silent threat that many Denver residents don’t consider is sleep apnea.

At Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver, Dr. Teresa Lowery and her team are dedicated to helping patients sleep soundly, breathe freely, and protect their long-term health. If you snore, wake up feeling unrested, or suffer from daytime fatigue, you could be at risk for serious heart complications due to untreated sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea? Understanding the Symptoms

Sleep apnea is a serious yet common sleep disorder where breathing frequently stops and starts throughout the night. The most prevalent type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much, causing the airway to collapse and disrupting normal airflow. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, putting stress on the body and preventing deep, restorative sleep.

Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea:

✔️ Loud, chronic snoring

✔️ Gasping or choking for air while sleeping

✔️ Waking up with a dry mouth or headache

✔️ Feeling exhausted during the day, even after a full night’s sleep

✔️ Difficulty focusing or remembering things

✔️ High blood pressure that’s hard to manage

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to take action—your heart health could be at risk.

How Sleep Apnea Damages the Heart

When sleep apnea goes untreated, it puts continuous stress on the heart and circulatory system. The repeated drops in oxygen levels throughout the night trigger a stress response, leading to spikes in blood pressure, inflammation, and an increased risk of serious heart conditions.

The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Your Heart:

💔 Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Every time breathing stops, the body releases stress hormones, causing blood pressure to rise and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

💔 Irregular Heartbeats (Arrhythmias): People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AFib), a dangerous heart rhythm disorder that can lead to strokes.

💔 Heart Failure & Heart Attacks: Ongoing oxygen deprivation weakens the heart, making it harder to pump blood efficiently and increasing the risk of heart failure or cardiac arrest.

💔 Increased Stroke Risk: Studies show that people with moderate to severe sleep apnea have a much higher chance of suffering a stroke due to compromised oxygen flow and cardiovascular strain.

The good news is that effective sleep apnea treatment can help protect your heart and improve your overall quality of life.

A Better Alternative to CPAP – Sleep Apnea Treatment in Denver

At Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver, Dr. Teresa Lowery offers a comfortable and convenient alternative to CPAP therapy. While CPAP machines can be effective, many patients struggle with discomfort, noise, and compliance issues, making them less than ideal for long-term use. That’s why we specialize in oral appliance therapy, a simple yet highly effective solution for treating sleep apnea.

Why Choose an Oral Appliance?

✅ Custom-Made for Maximum Comfort – Designed to fit like a retainer and keep your airway open all night.

✅ No Bulky Masks or Hoses – Enjoy a discreet, travel-friendly option for better sleep.

✅ Clinically Proven to Reduce Snoring & Improve Sleep Quality

✅ Supports Heart Health by Lowering Blood Pressure & Reducing Sleep Disruptions

This FDA-approved treatment gently repositions the jaw and tongue to prevent airway blockage, allowing for normal breathing and restful sleep.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep and a Healthier Heart

Your heart health starts with a good night’s sleep. If you or a loved one snores, wakes up gasping for air, or struggles with persistent fatigue, don’t wait—early intervention is key to preventing serious health complications.

📞Call Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver today at (303) 753-0922 or visit www.SleepBetterBreatheBetterDenver.com to schedule your complimentary sleep apnea evaluation.

Better sleep means a stronger heart—take action today!

Call us today at (303) 753-0922

or visit us at: 425 S. Cherry St., Suite #210

Denver, CO 80246