High Blood Pressure and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea should be considered a serious medical condition that requires prompt and effective treatment. Many people tend to focus on the short-term effects of the condition that include headaches, sore throat, and sleepiness throughout the day. However, if the condition is not treated, it can quickly lead to more serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Suffering from severe sleep apnea, which is when a person stops breathing hundreds of times a night, can quickly lead to bodily harm, including high blood pressure.

When a person consistently stops breathing throughout the night, they experience sudden drops in blood oxygen levels, and these drops put a strain on the cardiovascular system. The greater the severity of your sleep apnea, the more at risk you are of having high blood pressure. This can be especially dangerous if you also suffer from heart disease. Heart disease combined with episodes of low blood oxygen can ultimately result in sudden death as a result of cardiac arrest. Sleep apnea should never be taken lightly, and if you or a loved one suffers from the condition, you should see a doctor right away. Once a test has been performed, we will be able to recommend the best treatment for your needs.