Apnea and heart disease: symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What are apnea and heart disease?

Apnea can be a condition where a person stops breathing or the breath appears to sink for a short time of about 10-30 seconds during sleep. This condition usually appears several times during sleep.

There are more than 90 different types of sleep disorders, most commonly obstructive apnea, central apnea, obesity hypoventilation, etc. Obstructive apnea is very dangerous to the cardiovascular system and is a significant risk factor for the incidence of heart disease.

How common is apnea and heart disease?

Sleep disorders are common in middle-aged or elderly people and people who are overweight. Sleep disturbances are closely related to heart disease. This can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Consult a doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of apnea?

Signs of a sleep disorder include:

• Snoring, especially when lying on your back;
• Fatigue and difficulty concentrating during the day
• Daytime sleepiness despite getting enough sleep
• Depression or irritability

There may be symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

If you experience the signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, consult your doctor. In addition, you should contact your doctor if any of these symptoms appear:

• Have a sore throat, a burning feeling when you wake up
• Headaches and fatigue after sleeping
• Waking up due to difficulty breathing or not breathing
• Lack of sleep

Each person's body works in different ways. It is a good idea to discuss with your doctor the best solution for your situation.

Cause

What causes apnea?

Sleep apnea disorder occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat (including palate, uvula, tonsils, and tongue) stretch more than normal and cause the airways to close. If no oxygen is entered for 20 seconds, the brain will wake you up to breathe normally. Your sleep will be interrupted several times; You will feel tired and sleepy during the day.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for apnea?

There are many risk factors for sleep disorders and heart disease, such as:

• Being overweight, because fat accumulation can easily interfere with breathing
• Have other conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
• Defects: narrow throat, tonsils, or adenoids that block the entry of air
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Genetics: If you have a family history of sleep apnea, you have a higher risk of developing sleep disorders
• Smoking and consuming alcohol

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for apnea?

There is no available treatment for sleep disorders. Medicines that doctors prescribe only help expand airways, including:

• Use a special mask while sleeping (CPAP machine) to increase pressure and keep the air inlets from constricting
• Using respiratory equipment
• Operations to expand air inlets. The doctor will remove excess tissue that narrows the air inlets or loosens your jaw

What are the usual tests for sleep disorders and heart disease?

The doctor will take a medical history, check the lungs, vaccinations, and nose and throat disorders to diagnose sleep disorders.

The best way to diagnose obstructive apnea is by direct observation. Meanwhile, the doctor will measure brain activity, respiration, oxygen level and heart rate at night.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat apnea and heart disease?

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with sleep apnea and heart disease:

• Lose weight to loosen up your airways if you are overweight or obese. Losing weight can improve your health and quality of life and reduce daytime sleepiness
• Do regular exercise to improve blood circulation.
• Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking
• Avoid using barbiturates and other drugs without first consulting a doctor
• Try sleeping on one side or on your stomach to avoid the tongue and palate pressing on the air inlets. You have to lie on your right side so as not to put pressure on your heart
• Use a saline nasal spray for your nose if you have a stuffy nose. You should consult your doctor for medication recommendations

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.