Link Between Sleep Apnea and Stroke

Sleep apnea and stroke have been linked for years and researchers are making some headway in figuring out what it’s all about.

sleep apnea and stroke

Sleep apnea and stroke have been linked for years and researchers are making some headway in figuring out what it’s all about. You might be wondering is apnea linked to increased stroke risk? The National Center for Sleep Disorders is examining whether there is a relationship between the two health conditions. Obstructive sleep apnea patients may suffer damage to the right side of the heart since it has to pump harder to support their lungs.

Sleep apnea can go undiagnosed since the only symptoms you may be aware of are frequently waking up at night and daytime drowsiness. Patients can stop breathing dozens of times during the night when their airway collapses. The combination of high blood pressure and oxygen deprivation can result in endothelial damage. Heavy snorers and people who pause when breathing are at risk for heart disease. Treating heavy snoring can improve these health problems.

It’s possible that sleep apnea can cause stroke and irregular heartbeats and mostly occurs when the brain fails to send a breathing signal. The condition can also cause kidney failure even when other factors are absent. The sufferers have a higher risk of death than the rest of the population. Despite effective apnea treatment, many people find it difficult to find qualified medical care. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure helps patients who experience low blood oxygen when sleeping.

CPAP machineA study showed that patients who had sleep apnea and stroke were successfully treated with the CPAP machine. Those who get treatment typically feel so much better daytime and are at low risks of sleep deprivation. Some of the preventive measures from this condition include:

  • Avoid sleeping on the back.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking.
  • Avoid sleeping pills.

Sleep apnea is the second leading cause of daytime fatigue after insomnia. Other than stroke the condition can lead to depression, heart failure, and death due to accidents. People with this condition should consider treatment to increase their chances of survival.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.