Heart Disease, Cardiovascular Disease and Sleep

Heart disease, a type of cardiovascular disease, refers to conditions that specifically target the heart such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, and congenital heart disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for nearly every racial group. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke claim more lives each year in the United States than all forms of cancer combined.

Common symptoms of heart disease include: 

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeats
• Dizziness
  

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, occur when the muscles at the back of your throat relax excessively, blocking the upper airway. As a result, airflow is temporarily reduced or stopped, leading to sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality. If left untreated, OSA can even lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, and other fatal health complications.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is more common than you might think. It is estimated to affect nearly 1 billion people around the world. In the United States, OSA is estimated to affect 25-30% of men and 9-17% of women.

Certain factors increase the risk of developing OSA. These include obesity, old age, family history, and anatomical features such as a narrow airway or enlarged tonsils. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also increase a person’s risk of developing OSA.

The connection between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other forms of sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease is well established. Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other cardiovascular issues because apnea events during sleep (the moments when you stop breathing) reduce blood oxygen levels. The repetitive drops in blood oxygen levels put immense strain on the heart and can contribute to long-term damage and even heart failure. Most people are not aware of the impact on your heart health sleep apnea can have, but poor sleep is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a serious health risk.

Any person suffering from reduced airway volume during sleep would be very wise to seek help immediately to prevent the drop in nighttime oxygen levels that create inflammation throughout the body. Eliminating these drops in blood oxygen saturation reduces an individual’s risk of high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stroke and heart failure. 

There are several common treatment options for people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. 

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) – This treatment requires patients to wear a mask over the nose or mouth while sleeping. The CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of air to prevent the airway from collapsing. It is effective but often noisy and uncomfortable to the point that many patients find it difficult to use their CPAP machines.

BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) – Similar to CPAP, the BiPAP machine delivers air, but it adjusts the pressure levels during inhalation and exhalation. This dual-level pressure can be more comfortable for some patients, especially those with difficulty exhaling against continuous pressure. However, like a CPAP machine, it can also be uncomfortable and hard to get used to.

Oral Surgery – For individuals with severe OSA caused by their anatomy, surgical interventions may be an option. There are a variety of procedures that include removing excess tissue in the throat or repositioning the jaw to handle OSA, but these are often a last resort treatment option.

Vivos Oral Appliance – The Vivos Oral Appliance is a customized device that fits comfortably in the mouth. It repositions the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep and prevent the interruptions that lead to cardiovascular strain. This option is often favored for its simplicity, comfort, and effectiveness.

The FDA-approved Vivos-brand oral appliance works inside the mouth to open the airway and provide permanent relief from OSA and other sleep-disordered breathing issues. It is comfortable, simple, noninvasive, and safe. By promoting optimal jaw and tongue positioning during sleep, the Vivos appliance helps maintain open airways, preventing the interruptions that lead to cardiovascular strain and fatal heart health problems.