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Most people know that poor sleep leaves you tired and grumpy. Fewer people know it could be quietly breaking your heart. Literally.
Untreated sleep apnea places enormous cardiovascular stress on your body, night after night, without you knowing. Here is what is actually happening.
Each time breathing stops during an apnea event, oxygen levels in your blood drop. Your brain sounds the alarm, flooding your system with adrenaline, spiking your heart rate, and shooting your blood pressure through the roof. All while you remain largely asleep and blissfully unaware.
Now multiply that by thirty, fifty, or even a hundred times per night. Every. Single. Night.
Over time, that relentless cycle takes a serious toll. Here is what the evidence shows:
High Blood Pressure Sleep apnea is one of the most common secondary causes of hypertension. Repeated adrenaline surges keep blood pressure elevated not just overnight, but also throughout the following day. CPAP therapy has been shown to produce meaningful reductions, particularly in people whose numbers have been difficult to control with medication alone.
Atrial Fibrillation People with sleep apnea are significantly more likely to develop AFib, an irregular heart rhythm that raises the risk of stroke and heart attack. Those already living with AFib and untreated sleep apnea are far more likely to experience an event.
Stroke The risk of stroke is two to three times higher in people with untreated sleep apnea. This is driven by elevated blood pressure, clotting changes and irregular heart rhythms.
Inflammation and Arterial Disease Regular oxygen deprivation in the body can trigger systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to arterial plaque buildup and increasing the risk of coronary artery disease.
The sneaky part? Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed for years. Watch for loud snoring, morning headaches, persistent daytime fatigue, or blood pressure issues that remain a struggle.
The good news is, CPAP therapy works fast and may help reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of atrial fibrillation and relief from excess stress on your heart.
For a free chat about your situation, visit your local CPAP Direct store or take the online sleep assessment at cpap.com.au. Hand on our heart, you’ll be glad you did!
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