Should people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition where your breathing stops repeatedly at night because your upper airways collapse, use a breathing device to prevent a heart attack and ensure oxygen flow to this vital organ? A recent study found that people with existing cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea had a significantly lower risk of having a major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular event when they used a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device for four or more hours per day. The study, published in JAMA Network, also says that obstructive sleep apnea can harm the heart by pushing up blood pressure or making it difficult to control. The condition can then trigger arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. According to Dr Udgeath Dhir, Director and Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), Fortis Memorial Research Institute, “Almost 10 to 15 per cent of my patients have sleep apnea and they should all be safe with proper oxygenation during sleep.” What is OSA? Individuals with sleep apnea experience low oxygen levels either due to obesity or some clamming up in the neck area. When the brain detects this reduced oxygen flow, it sends reflex signals to the heart, leading to an increased blood flow, blood pressure and heart rate. This heightens the risk of a cardiovascular event. How can nightly use of CPAP devices lower cardiovascular risks? Once sleep apnea is diagnosed, we can observe a decrease in oxygen saturation levels during a sleep study. When oxygen levels drop significantly, we can use a CPAP machine. This device acts as a valve, preventing the airways from collapsing and ensuring a continuous flow of oxygen. As a result, patients experience improved sleep without having to wake up and cough frequently, and a drastic reduction in their risk of developing high blood pressure and an elevated heart rate, both of which are indirect indicators of increased cardiovascular risk. CPAP offers an excellent solution for patients who are obese and have a thick jugular because inadequate sleep can lead to consistently high blood pressure. Patients may find themselves switching between various medications, even up to four a day, in an attempt to control their blood pressure. Furthermore, these patients frequently report feeling drowsy and lethargic in the morning despite getting six to eight hours of sleep. How often do you find cardiac patients who are also suffering from OSA? Almost 10 to 15 per cent of our patients have sleep apnea. How important is sleep for the heart? When a person sleeps, the body’s healing processes kick in. To facilitate the body’s recovery process, a person requires six to eight hours of deep, restful sleep. A sound sleep isn’t just beneficial for the cardiovascular system but also for the lungs and other vital organs. Oxygen plays a crucial role as it is essential for every cell in the body. If a person doesn’t receive adequate oxygen, then carbon dioxide levels can rise, potentially leading to adverse effects on each and every organ. (For any feedback, suggestions, and comments please email us at health.indianexpress@gmail.com)
