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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that can affect much more than nighttime rest. During sleep, the muscles and soft tissues of the throat can relax enough to partially or completely block the upper airway, causing repeated interruptions in breathing. These episodes can reduce oxygen levels, disrupt sleep, and place additional stress on the cardiovascular system. OSA is particularly important in cardiology because it is associated with high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular concerns. If you have concerns about OSA, call the office or request an appointment online today.
OSA (Obstructed Sleep Apnea) Q&A
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway repeatedly narrows or becomes blocked during sleep. Breathing may stop for a period before the brain briefly signals the body to resume breathing. These recurring episodes can cause oxygen fluctuations, increased sympathetic activity, and disrupted sleep.
OSA can affect adults of many ages and is more common among individuals with certain risk factors, including excess weight, older age, larger neck circumference, family history, and certain anatomical characteristics. Because OSA is closely connected with cardiovascular health, screening may be especially valuable for patients with hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or other cardiac conditions.
What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?
Common symptoms of OSA include loud or persistent snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, witnessed pauses in breathing, morning headaches, fragmented sleep, difficulty concentrating, and excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue. Some patients may not realize that their breathing is disrupted because the episodes occur during sleep.
A partner or family member may be the first person to notice loud snoring or pauses in breathing. Symptoms such as unexplained fatigue or difficult-to-control blood pressure may also prompt a medical evaluation.
How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a medical evaluation and assessment of your symptoms and risk factors. A sleep study can then determine whether abnormal breathing occurs while you sleep. Depending on your health and circumstances, testing may involve an overnight polysomnogram or a home sleep apnea test.
The results of your sleep study can help determine the severity of your OSA and guide an appropriate treatment plan. Patients with significant cardiovascular disease may require more comprehensive testing based on their individual circumstances.
How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of your OSA, underlying risk factors, and overall health. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment that uses gentle air pressure to help keep the airway open during sleep. Other treatment options may include weight management, positional therapy, oral appliances, and, in selected cases, surgical treatment.
For patients with cardiovascular disease, treating OSA may be an important component of broader cardiovascular risk management. If you're concerned about OSA, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.