CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease. People with OSA often have enlarged and thickened hearts. The result is a heart that pumps less effectively, putting people at risk for strokes and heart attacks. Studies have found that by properly addressing sleep apnea, many of these abnormalities can be improved by the use of CPAP devices and other sleep disordered breathing treatments. Better sleep means a better heart according to many experts.

Sleep apnea is a known risk factor for the development of hypertension, heart disease and stroke.  Chronic sleep deprivation has been shown to change metabolic function in a way that promotes weight gain, a risk factor for heart disease. Other signs of cardiovascular concern include:

What occurs during obstructive sleep apnea is that repeated partial or complete closure of one’s pharynx, gasping episodes, sleep fragmentation, and daytime sleepiness put the cardiovascular system at risk. A number of studies now indicate that sleep apnea is clearly associated with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks, including stroke, ischemia, arrhythmias, or sudden death.

Smokers, people who are overweight and those who are under additional stress may find themselves at an elevated risk level when sleep and breathing problems are not addressed. We cannot stress the seriousness of this topic enough. You may have no reason to be concerned or you may have plenty. The best solution is to see your physician or contact us for a simple assessment of your symptoms. There is no charge to you if you just want to talk about your concerns. Call us or email us.

If you exhibit any of these symptoms please contact us for a home-based sleep study or further assessment by a qualified physician.

These are some of the treatment technologies associated with CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE.  To get background information go to our Technology section or click on one of the links below.

Auto SV - (Servo Ventilator) By Respironics
The BiPAP autoSV sleep therapy system is specifically designed to manage complicated sleep disordered breathing patients. It combines a number of technologies to recognize and react to changing pressure needs in the complex apnea patient. The Servo-Ventilator has the ability to monitor and correct periodic breathing such as Cheyne-Stokes Respiration.

Nocturnal Oxygen - Nocturnal Oxygen

APAP - Auto Adjusting Positive Airway Pressure

Non-invasive Ventilation Defined - Sensing devices in this technology recognize a sleeping patient’s poorly functioning diaphragm (non-functioning respiratory muscles) and gives the patient a quick breath as needed. This may also include people with a non-functioning drive to breathe - such as patients with central sleep apnea.