Doctors Answers (2)
Sleep apnea can cause hypertension and aid in the development of atrial fibrillation. The spikes in blood pressure and drops in oxygen level during apnea events are what can lead to congestive heart failure, heart attacks and stroke! With treatment those risks are greatly reduced. He should be evaluated by a Board Certified Sleep Medicine Specialist.
It is a great question because sleep apnea results not only in immediate symptoms such as snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and poor sleep but also has long term consequences. This includes but is not limited to heart disease, hypertension, mood disorders and stroke is on that list. Interestingly treated sleep apnea results in better sugar control in diabetes and better blood pressure control in hypertension. In brief, stroke frequently results from a blockage in a blood vessel that limits blood circulation to the brain. This blockage can be due to build up of a atherosclerotic plaque. So better blood pressure control, better sugar control and better oxygenation (blood circulation) prevents strokes by reducing atherosclerosis in blood vessels. In sleep apnea, cessation of breathing results in a further drop in blood circulation that is already affected by other factors. I hope this answers your question. Best of luck to you and your husband.
