Sleep apnea and the heart

Sleep apnea is keeping many people from getting the rest they need, for a good nights sleep and to function fully the next day. Sleep apnea is a problem that thousands are being treated for with thousands of others not realizing they are living with. Obstructive sleep apnea is a problem that for most can be corrected.

There are no age limits to who can be affected with sleep apnea, or obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is going to be noticed when a person can't breath while sleeping, the person make gasping noises, or the chest will sink in while they are not breathing at night.

Children are observed sleeping, and one will notice this condition almost right away. For the adult, a spouse will notice the condition, the snoring, and the gasping for breath, as it will keep another person awake at night.

Those who are suffering with sleep apnea, with obstructive sleep apnea are known to have an enlarged heart. The enlarged heart is not able to pump the oxygen needed through out the body, and to the brain.

When suffering from sleep apnea, unable to breath while sleeping, the stress the heart is under is tremendous and can lead to ongoing problems, and when left untreated, can eventually lead to death, a heart attack, or additional heart disease.

The enlarged heart problem can be dealt with. There are items, things, that can be used to allow the person to sleep without problem. Sleeping while sitting up, or sleeping with a device that is going to open the airways is going to help. There are many dental devices, which will open the jaw, allowing the person to breath without problem, and lessen the stress on the heart.

Obstructed sleep apnea is a problem that will also cause cardiovascular disease over time. As the person who is sleeping is unable to breath, they are gasping for breath, their lungs are not working to full capacity.

The continued fatigue during the daytime hours, will only add stress on the body, and can bring about sudden death. Sleep apnea can also cause a stroke, or high blood pressure. Not all sleep apnea is going to require surgery to correct, but without some type of treatment the sleep apnea is going to cause stress on the heart, and other organs of the body so it is in your best interest to discuss the matter with your family doctor.