4 Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Did you know that sleep apnea can lead to cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s? Those are just a few of the many consequences of untreated sleep apnea.

Undiagnosed sleep apnea can result in multiple chronic health problems, increased healthcare expenses, and quality of life issues. If you suffer from sleep apnea, now is the time to get sleep apnea treatment.

Read on to discover the four most devastating consequences of unchecked sleep apnea symptoms.

1. It can lead to heart disease.

In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death. More than 650,000 people died from heart disease in 2019.

A person’s risk of developing heart disease is increased by many factors, including an unhealthy diet and not getting enough physical activity.

Sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of heart failure and coronary artery disease. Untreated sleep apnea can also result in heart arrhythmias, which can lead to coronary heart disease.

People with severe OSA are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heart rhythm that increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Untreated sleep apnea also increases the risk of heart failure. It can worsen existing heart failure symptoms. And, since it can lead to an accelerated heart rate, sleep apnea has a direct impact on cardiovascular health.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder that results in stoppages of breathing while a person is asleep.

This causes repeated low levels of oxygen in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, this condition can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries of the heart.

Untreated sleep apnea is also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in older women.

In addition to increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea symptoms can worsen existing heart problems. Patients with this disorder often have a high risk of being overweight or obese.

Untreated sleep apnea can increase blood pressure and sugar levels and lead to heart disease, so treating it as soon as possible is essential.

2. It can lead to a stroke.

An ischemic stroke is a type of vascular problem that occurs when blood vessels in the brain become clogged with plaque.

Stroke is one of the most common causes of death in the United States and around the world. While it can be prevented, timely medical treatment and monitoring are vital for stroke victims.

It is crucial to seek treatment immediately after experiencing a stroke, as it could increase your chances of survival and prevent the disease.

There are many health risks associated with sleep apnea, but a recent study suggests that it can increase the risk of stroke.

This research identifies that untreated sleep apnea can contribute to increased levels of inflammation in the brain. This inflammation may also be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Researchers aren’t sure how the inflammation in the brain leads to an increased risk of stroke.

People with OSA are at increased risk of stroke because the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. The pauses in breathing during sleep can result in low blood oxygen levels in the blood.

This can lead to daytime fatigue and irritability. They may also experience difficulty concentrating and can fall asleep while driving or operating machinery.

People with sleep apnea symptoms may also experience short-tempered mood swings and rapid heartbeat. Children with sleep apnea may also exhibit signs of behavior problems.

Although these are only acute effects of untreated apnea, they are important to note. A person who suffers from sleep apnea is at a higher risk of suffering a stroke.

As a result, the first step in treating sleep apnea is to lose excess weight by improving your diet, eating more fruits and vegetables, and increasing your intake of lean proteins.

3. It can lead to cancer.

Research has shown that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. This risk is particularly high in women.

Researchers say the link may be because sleep apnea causes cancer cells to develop more resistance to cancer treatments.

In addition, the Wisconsin Cohort Study found that patients with severe OSA are 65% more likely to develop cancer. Men with severe sleep apnea are especially high-risk, and the risks are greatest in young men and women.

Although the study did not find a direct link between sleep apnea and cancer, many researchers have concluded that it may increase the risk of the condition.

Untreated sleep apnea may be a risk factor for many other chronic health conditions. In fact, sleep apnea is commonly diagnosed in men and is linked with an increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

4. It can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Although the cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown, a link has been made between untreated sleep apnea and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers think that a gene associated with Alzheimer’s may be linked to sleep-disordered breathing.

It has also been suggested that the lack of oxygen in REM sleep might affect the brain’s glymphatic system, which acts like a nocturnal cleanup crew.

Researchers have found that people with sleep apnea are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies show that people with this disorder have an increased risk for dementia, stroke, and heart attack.

In addition, studies have linked sleep deprivation with higher levels of a protein known to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

Because sleep apnea can worsen Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to seek sleep apnea treatment in Beverly, MA, to ensure good health.

The link between OSA and Alzheimer’s disease is not completely clear. While there is a link between sleep-disordered breathing and cognitive decline, the condition may increase the risk.

OSA causes interruptions in breathing, which can reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood, leading to brain cell damage.

It cannot function properly when the brain is deprived of sleep, so the interruption in breathing can impair cognitive functions.

OSA is also linked to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and depression. Since the brain is required to operate at its best, it is important to get a good night’s sleep.

While changes in sleep patterns are expected with age, sleep problems can worsen the disease. In addition to cognitive difficulties, it may lead to early institutionalization.

If left untreated, your sleep issues may worsen with the disease. As the brain deteriorates due to dementia, the untreated condition could even lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

There is no certainty that untreated sleep apnea can cause Alzheimer’s disease, but new studies suggest that the two conditions may interact.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s currently, treatment of sleep apnea may be able to slow the progression of the disease.

The researchers recommend addressing both conditions to ensure a healthy and happy life.

Conclusion

Lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity of apnea. A healthy diet, physical exercise, and limiting alcohol intake can all help a patient get a better night’s sleep.

In addition, a change in position and the use of positive airway pressure devices can help to reduce disordered breathing during sleep. Some people can also benefit from a mouthpiece and oral appliance for sleep apnea to correct jaw and tongue positioning issues.