Sleep and your Cardiovascular system
Sleep apnea is a condition where one stops breathing during sleep. The duration of the stoppage can last up to one minute or longer. And it adds up even more over the course of an entire night, which is incredibly dangerous. How dangerous?
Let’s cover one related physiological link at a time to explain it.
The Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system and what happens when sleep apnea is present can be told with some statistics:
- 7 million people in the United States, alone have heart failure.
- Approximately 76% of congestive heart failure patients have Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB).
- Heart failure is the most expensive disorder to treat.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea is noted in 49% of Atrial Fibrillation patients and 30% of cardiovascular patients.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea presents in 70% of heart attack patients.
Impact of Sleep on the Cardiovascular System
Blood Pressure Regulation:
Normal Sleep: During healthy sleep, particularly during the deep stages (NREM sleep), blood pressure typically drops, providing a restorative period for the cardiovascular system.
Disturbed Sleep: Meanwhile, poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can prevent this nighttime dip in blood pressure, contributing to sustained hypertension.
Heart Rate Variability:
Normal Sleep: Good quality sleep helps maintain a healthy heart rate variability (HRV), which is an indicator of cardiovascular fitness and the ability to respond to stress.
Disturbed Sleep: Fragmented sleep or sleep disorders like sleep apnea can reduce HRV, indicating increased cardiovascular stress.
Inflammation and Metabolic Health:
Normal Sleep: Adequate sleep helps regulate metabolic processes and reduce inflammation.
Disturbed Sleep: Chronic sleep disturbances can lead to metabolic syndrome, characterized by high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess body fat around the waist. This syndrome is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Clearly, the statistical picture looks grim. However, there are options to control Sleep Apnea and SDB.
This is the first installment of a four part series. Here’s part 2.
1.877.430.2727 to discuss what can be done to ease the effects of SDB.
(the above statistics are supported by a complete list of references at Resmed.com)
If this was helpful, please comment!
Questions?
Call 1.877.430.2727 for help.
Last Updated: May 15th, 2024
Written and Edited by Bill Bistak B Sc.,SEO/SEM Spc, CRT
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2 thoughts on “Sleep Apnea Facts that will astound you, Part One: Sleep and your Cardiovascular system”
Okay when I’m sleeping or rather about to sleep my mind wonders like in a sleep and awake purgatory and I forget to breath its weird like my mind goes deep into thought. Need to be checkup, thanks for these facts you listed I think I am positive!!
It’s more interesting!! While awake people can desaturate normally for all kinds of reasons. However, this is a good video illustration of what severe apnea facts like.