Findings of the Sleep Heart Health Study , published in the April issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine show that people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at increased risk of stroke, according to NPR. The study shows that they are 3 times more likely to suffer a stroke compared to people who do not have sleep apnea.
OSA, a sleep disorder that disrupts night time breathing, is often recognized by its’ most common symptoms; snoring and daytime sleepiness/fatigue. While OSA is more frequently found in men, the disease also affects women, and after menopause, they are just as likely as men to develop it. Results of this large study which included both men and women show that both genders are equally affected by stroke associated with sleep apnea. The increased risk is independent of other predictors of stroke, such as obesity, high blood pressure and smoking.
Previous studies have found that OSA is associated with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, cardiac arrythmias, fatigue, dementia, extreme daytime sleepiness and even premature death.
OSA can be treated with the use of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or an oral appliance that is prescribed by a physician and fitted by a dentist. Proper treatment of sleep apnea can reduce or eliminate symptoms and improve overall health and future health risks as well as daytime functioning.
Only a sleep physician can determine if you are suffering from OSA. If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from sleep apnea, please contact us to make an appointment for a consultation.
