{"id":363,"date":"2025-12-16T23:29:52","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T23:29:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geromeandpatricedds.com\/blog\/?p=363"},"modified":"2026-01-12T00:19:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T00:19:05","slug":"sleep-apnea-and-heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.geromeandpatricedds.com\/blog\/sleep-apnea-and-heart-health\/","title":{"rendered":"The Connective Link Between Sleep Apnea & Cardiovascular Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"a<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Sleep apnea<\/a> doesn\u2019t just affect your nightly rest or daily productivity; it also takes its toll on your overall health. This reality can lead to serious problems over time, one of which is cardiovascular disease. Stroke, heart attack, and other common issues can build up, resulting in hospitalization or death. Keep reading to learn how the two are connected and why it’s important to see a sleep dentist for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Lack of Sleep Affects Your Heart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Frequent interruptions throughout the night due to an inability to breathe freely can compromise your cardiovascular health over time. Not only does your blood pressure rise and fall continuously because of the multiple apnea episodes that can occur, but also, your oxygen levels decrease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more your body enters fight-or-flight mode because of sudden gasping for air, the more strain your heart sustains and inflammation occurs. Eventually, you can experience a stroke, heart attack, or cardiac arrest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a five-year study of an estimated 11,000 people, individuals who had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were more likely to suffer sudden cardiac arrest, especially those 60 years of age and older. Additionally, the study showed that those with OSA are at an increased risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Do to Avoid Cardiovascular Problems?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are living with OSA and have yet to be diagnosed, it\u2019s important to recognize the symptoms and inquire about a sleep study. Some common signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n