Did You Know That Sleep Apnea Raises Your Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death

If you find yourself waking up tired after what you thought was a full night’s sleep, or know you are snoring loudly, you may have sleep apnea — when you stop breathing during sleep or when your breathing is partially or fully blocked. Clearly this can be a dangerous thing and is not something to ignore. Sleep apnea can cause very serious health issues. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good quality sleep are all essential for a healthy heart.

The right diagnosis and treatment is imperative. If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, come in as soon as you can to see Dr. Vandana Kumra, MD, at ENT New York, so she can find the best treatment option for you. A good night’s sleep is important for so many reasons.

Symptoms of sleep apnea

Sleep is the time your body heals and restores itself. If your sleep cycle is interrupted on a regular basis, it may lead to other complications, including sudden cardiac death. The first thing to do is understand what to look for. You may realize you have some of these sleep apnea symptoms on your own, and others may be identified by a partner or spouse who sleeps next to you. Take them seriously and get them checked out.

• Waking up with a headache in the morning
• Waking up with dry mouth
• Waking up tired
• Irritability
• Loud snoring
• Gasping for air while you sleep

Age and family history definitely play a role in this condition, but there are a few things you can do on your own to reduce the factors that may be causing your sleep apnea. These include: quit smoking, reduce use of alcohol, reduce use of sedatives, lose weight, and clear nasal congestion.

Dangers of sleep apnea include sudden cardiac death

Many patients who suffer from sleep apnea are overweight or obese, which can also lead to diabetes, stroke, or heart attack. This should literally keep you up at night, and you must take this seriously. Being healthy and at your proper weight can help reduce sleep apnea, and therefore, reduce your risk of death.

In addition to those potentially fatal outcomes, sleep apnea can also cause long-term health issues, such as high blood pressure, and can reduce your quality of life.

Here at ENT New York, Dr. Vandana will conduct a full examination and may request that you participate in a sleep study to identify whether you have sleep apnea. She then discusses the treatment options and lifestyle changes that will result in the best, individual solution for you. Call to schedule an appointment or conveniently book online right here.