In this article, The Medical Experts @ The Health Standard, share their expert insights on the findings and provide Montana residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.
Why This Matters to You
A recent study adds to the evidence that there is a solid link between sleep apnea and cardiovascular diseases. However, the findings of this study highlight an issue that many young people tend to ignore. They feel that sleep apnea does not apply to them. This finding is crucial for Missoula County, Montana residents because the findings continue to highlight the heart health benefits of early detection and treatment of sleep apnea.
What This Means for Your Health
The new findings show that if you have sleep apnea, you may be at higher risk for developing heart problems--regardless of your age. "Our research highlights the need for OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) screening in primary care settings, especially for younger adults who can benefit the most from early intervention..." said study leader Bhaskar Thakur, PhD.
Know this: By managing your sleep apnea early, you can potentially reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve your overall health and well-being.
Doctors' Expert Insights and Actionable Steps to Better Understand and Manage Sleep Apnea
We approached our panel of health experts and they added some color to these findings.
Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine, commented, "This study underscores the importance of considering sleep apnea as a risk factor for heart disease, even in younger patients. We need to be more proactive in screening and treating sleep apnea to protect cardiovascular health. The findings show that young adults with pOSA had a 45% higher prevalence of hypertension compared to those without pOSA!"
Know the signs of sleep apnea: Dr. Adriana Davis, DO, recommends: "Watch for symptoms like loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches. If you experience these, consult your healthcare provider promptly. And, I want you to know that many women are often either misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed for sleep apnea. So if you're having trouble with your sleep and are expressing the symptoms above, ask your doctor if you may require a sleep apnea study."
Further steps: The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a tool you can use to further your conversation with your healthcare team about your sleep. (Visit Resource Here)
Maintain a healthy weight: Dr. Shelandra Bell, DO, added, "...yes, obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea. Aim for a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. The Missoula County Parks and Recreation Department may offer free fitness classes that can help you stay active."
CPAP machine use: All the doctors on our panel agreed that CPAP use is a must.
Dr. Uppal added, "Those who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea--using your CPAP machine consistently is key. Use your CPAP machine every night, even when traveling. Many of my patients have found success by establishing a relaxing bedtime routine and sticking to a regular sleep schedule. This not only improves sleep quality but also enhances the effectiveness of their sleep apnea treatment."
Prioritize your health: Kristal Martin, PA-C adds, "...managing your sleep apnea goes beyond just nighttime treatment. I encourage my patients to focus on overall cardiovascular health. This includes maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet. Even a 10% reduction in body weight can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms. Also, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime can help reduce the frequency and severity of apnea episodes."
Did you know that: 7.1% of you in Missoula County have been diagnosed with diabetes. Untreated sleep apnea can not only harm your heart health, but also increases your risks of getting diabetes.
Key Findings
Sleep apnea is linked to increased cardiovascular risks: The study found that individuals with probable obstructive sleep apnea (pOSA) had a "higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and overall cardiovascular disease."
Young adults are also at risk: Surprisingly, "young adults (20-40 years old) with pOSA showed significantly higher risks" for certain cardiovascular conditions compared to those without pOSA.
Early intervention is crucial: The research suggests that managing sleep apnea early in life could potentially prevent or reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later on.
The Bottom Line
Sleep apnea is not just a sleep disorder – it's a potential threat to your heart health, regardless of your age. If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, don't ignore it. Seek medical advice and take steps to improve your sleep quality. By addressing sleep apnea early, Missoula County residents can protect their hearts and enjoy better overall health for years to come.
Read the study in the Journal of the American Heart Association. (Visit Here)
Read More: Restless Nights Lead to Cloudy Minds. Doctor Explains.
Health Standard Newswire: Weak Bones Can Turn a Simple Misstep into a Life-Changing Event.
Missoula County Alert: Beyond Sleep.
5 Health Conditions that are Connected to Sleep Apnea
- Liver Problems: Research has found an association between sleep apnea and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can range from simple fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more serious condition involving liver inflammation and damage.
- Complications in Pregnancy: Pregnant women with sleep apnea may be at increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy), and preterm birth.
- Cognitive Impairment: Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to problems with memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. These issues can affect daily activities and quality of life.
- Mental Health Disorders: Sleep apnea is often associated with mood disorders like depression and anxiety. The disrupted sleep and oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea can negatively impact mental well-being.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The pressure changes in the chest during sleep apnea episodes can contribute to acid reflux, worsening GERD symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.
Key Health and Medical Statistics of Missoula County, Montana
Did you know there were 2536 deaths from heart disease in Montana in 2021?
25.1% of you in Missoula County have been screened for cholesterol in the past 5 years.
7.1% of you in Missoula County have been diagnosed with diabetes.
26.5% of you in Missoula County sleeping less than 7 hours per night.
81.1% of you in Missoula County have had a cholesterol screening in the past 3 years.
Health Facts That Matter: The health data above directly impact your physical well-being and are crucial in determining your overall health outcomes.
The Health Standard Newswire.
