By now you’ve already heard sleep apnea is dangerous. And, while you are aware of this dangerous condition, what are you doing to prevent further complications? Whether you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, it is important to not ignore the dangers associated. From high blood pressure to heart disease, sleep apnea can lead to further complications in your health.
To help you get a better understanding, let’s take a look at heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Heart disease
If you suffer from sleep apnea and do not seek proper treatment, you’re in for a bad condition: heart disease. Due to low oxygen or the stress of waking up frequently during sleep, many people die in the middle of the night as a result of sleep apnea. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, while stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, and is also a leading cause of disability with high blood pressure being a major risk in both conditions.
Sleep apnea, hypertension and heart disease continue to have a strong connection. Because of this, it is vital that everyone understands how these conditions are connected. Once you understand the importance of these strong connections, you can seek the proper treatment you need.
Type 2 diabetes
There is a clear connection between those who suffer from sleep apnea and those who have type 2 diabetes. Why? Because a leading cause of sleep apnea is obesity. Type 2 diabetes is another common danger or comorbidity of sleep apnea, and, in addition to obesity, diabetes and sleep apnea share a long list of other potential complications, including:
- High blood pressure.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Eye disease.
- Change in glucose metabolism.
Treating sleep apnea leads to a better night’s sleep. However, it can also help to treat and maybe even eradicate many other complications, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Contact us at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information on sleep apnea and how treatment can protect you in the future.
