Sleep Apnea Linked to Higher Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
Untreated sleep apnea increases a patients risk of sudden death by heart attack, according to recent research at the Mayo Clinic. This finding stresses the importance of CPAP therapy to treat sleep apnea.
Over 10,000 patients were examined. The researchers found that sleep apnea increased the likelihood of sudden death among patients with heart disease. (As a risk factor, apnea was second only to being over 60 years of age.)
When not treated by CPAP therapy, sleep apnea causes nighttime oxygen levels in the blood to drop. Because the blood has less oxygen, the heart is over-stressed in its attempt to get sufficient oxygen to the brain and other vital body organs.
The Mayo research shows the link between sleep apnea and heart attacks: due to the decreased oxygen, the patient’s blood vessels alter in a way that promotes heart disease. (Other cardiovascular diseases that apnea exacerbates include hypertension and stroke ” along with Alzheimers.)
In a nutshell: If the air passage restricts the oxygen to the blood, the body and brain begin to experience oxygen-deprivation.
The National Apnea Association (NAA) strongly urges apnea patients to regularly use the most widely prescribed form of sleep apnea treatment: CPAP (continuous positive air pressure). Other benefits of regular CPAP use include higher energy levels, less frequent or severe depression and easier weight loss.
Despite the added health benefits and effectiveness of prescribed treatment with CPAP therapy the average compliance for the nation is only 50%. This is because patients on therapy have to establish regular, nightly use of the equipment, which includes a CPAP mask connected to a tiny air compressor.
According to the NAA, there are three proven strategies that will increase your chances of success with CPAP therapy:
1. Only buy doctor-recommended CPAP equipment ” namely these three manufacturers: ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics. These three manufacturers invest millions in R&D each year. Unfortunately, many websites unknowingly offer ‘questionable’ CPAP equipment manufactured in China that neither your doctor nor the NAA would recommend.
2. Only buy your CPAP equipment from a dealer authorized by the manufacturer. The internet is full of questionable websites that sell grey-market CPAP equipment. Only by buying from an authorized dealer ” especially a ResMed Preferred Internet Provider ” can you be 100% certain of avoiding used equipment that was refurbished to look like new. (Some used equipment has not even been fully sterilized, putting you at risk of respiratory infections). Also, only an authorized dealer can guarantee that your CPAP will be fully guaranteed by the manufacturer. The National Apnea Association website lists only top-quality providers as Partners in Care.
3. Get help from a certified CPAP coach to make the CPAP process easier for you. Research shows that patients who receive coaching improve the success of their treatment from 50% to 90%. The best part is you can find a provider that offers coaching for free. The NAAs 2008 online CPAP Supplier award winner was MySleepMask.com for their excellence in providing free CPAP coaching to patients.