There are nearly a billion people world-wide that have obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing during sleep. Oxygen levels in the blood becomes low which is stressful to the body.
Constant stress during sleep may cause high blood pressure risking further damage to blood vessels which increases risk for clogged arteries and heart issues.Sleep apnea poses a greater risk of many diseases including heart disease.
Heart disease may include irregular heart rhythm, heart attack, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure.
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
A CPAP machine provides positive air flow through a mask to keep the airway open and prevent difficulty breathing.
Studies have revealed that people who use CPAP have a lower risk of hospitalization and dying associated with heart disease compared to people who are not using CPAP.
Reference
Pelc, C. (2023, September 12). Obstructive sleep apnea: CPAP helps lower heart disease mortality risk. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/obstructive-sleep-apnea-cpap-helps-lower-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-risk