During the month of February, let’s raise awareness for heart disease! Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. With Valentine’s Day and love in the air, February is dedicated to raising awareness not for the love you feel, but for heart disease and increasing knowledge about prevention. By educating yourself on the dangers of heart disease, you can get on track to better heart health. Let’s take a closer look at heart disease and its connection with sleep apnea for overall health and awareness this month.
The Connection
Episodes of pauses in breathing every hour prevents restful sleep and is associated with high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stroke and heart failure. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in America and Stroke the fifth, there is no wonder why awareness is needed. However, even more so, is the link between sleep apnea and heart disease and stroke.
One in five adults suffers from some form of sleep apnea, affecting more men than women. Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with obesity, which is also a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Other than obesity contributing to sleep apnea, sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can lead to further obesity.
Seek Treatment
Through proper treatment with oral appliance therapy, your airway is kept open, preventing your tongue from falling over your throat. If you are struggling to get a good night’s sleep , you can also follow some of these suggestions:
- Get regular physical activity
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Avoid caffeine before bed
- Develop a pre-bedtime routine
By following these suggestions and visiting Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia, you can take a stand against sleep apnea and heart disease for a healthier future.