The Link Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Heart Attacks and Strokes During Sleep

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more than just snoring and disrupted sleep—it can have serious, life-threatening consequences, including an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes during sleep. At Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver, we are committed to helping our patients understand the critical impact of untreated sleep apnea on their heart and vascular health. In this post, we’ll explore how sleep apnea leads to cardiovascular problems and why early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

How Obstructive Sleep Apnea Affects Your Heart

When a person suffers from obstructive sleep apnea, their breathing is repeatedly interrupted throughout the night. These episodes of airway blockage cause oxygen levels in the blood to drop, triggering the body to wake up briefly—sometimes multiple times an hour—to restart breathing. This process places significant stress on the cardiovascular system, as the body works overtime to supply oxygen to the brain and organs.

This constant strain results in elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate, both of which are major risk factors for heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to chronic hypertension, making the heart work harder than it should, and putting individuals at a much higher risk of cardiac events while they sleep.

Why Sleep Apnea Increases the Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes

The relationship between sleep apnea and cardiovascular events is alarming. Studies show that individuals with untreated OSA are more likely to experience heart attacks and strokes during sleep, when oxygen deprivation and surges in blood pressure are at their peak. This happens because the body, deprived of oxygen, enters a state of fight or flight to compensate. The sudden increases in heart rate and blood pressure can trigger heart attacks and strokes, particularly during the vulnerable hours of sleep.

This vicious cycle can have devastating consequences, as these nighttime events often occur without warning and can lead to long-term damage or even death.

Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea to Protect Your Heart

At Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver, we stress the importance of early detection and treatment of sleep apnea to reduce the risk of heart-related complications. One of the easiest ways to diagnose OSA is through a home sleep study, which allows patients to be evaluated in the comfort of their own home. These studies monitor your breathing patterns during sleep and provide essential data that helps us determine whether sleep apnea is present.

If diagnosed, our practice offers comfortable and effective treatment options. One of the most popular solutions is a custom-fitted sleep appliance, which works by gently repositioning the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. This not only improves sleep quality but also lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes by ensuring that the body maintains adequate oxygen levels throughout the night.

Take Control of Your Heart Health: Schedule a Consultation Today

If you or a loved one snores regularly or experiences fatigue during the day, don’t overlook the possibility of obstructive sleep apnea. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing serious health issues, including heart attacks and strokes.

Call Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver at (303) 753-0922 EXT 6 to schedule your consultation and learn more about our home sleep studies and sleep apnea treatment options.

We are conveniently located at 425 S. Cherry Street, Suite #210, Denver, CO 80246, and are here to help you safeguard your heart and overall health.