Obstructive Sleep Apnea Boosts Chance of Cardiac Death
Clinical research from the Mayo Clinic shows that sleep apnea increases your risk of sudden death by heart attack. While apnea has always been serious, this new research emphasizes how important it is to treat apnea.
By studying nearly 11,000 adults, researchers discovered that sleep apnea was one of the two biggest risk factors for sudden death among patients with heart disease. (The second trait was an age of 60 years or older.)
If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea will cause nighttime low oxygen saturation in the blood. The result? The heart has to work harder to oxygenate the brain and body.
Research points to the fact that low oxygen (caused by apnea), can alter your blood vessels in a way that promotes heart disease. Similarly, apnea is also associated with high blood pressure, stroke and even Alzheimers.
There is a common thread. If you dont get oxygen to the blood, the whole body and brain start to shut down. But with apnea, your throat closes down, suffocating yourself and starving your body of oxygen.
So, what is the most effective form of sleep apnea treatment? Doctors almost always prescribe CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) therapy. CPAP therapy is proven to maintain sufficient oxygen levels in the brain and body and is associated with other benefits, including improved sleep, reduced daytime drowsiness, improved mood, and weight loss.
All the research points to how important it is to use your CPAP therapy every night. Of course, wearing a CPAP mask connected to a CPAP machine is not easy or fun. That is why an average of only 50% of patients regularly comply with their CPAP therapy.
Luckily there are three time-proven strategies to increasing your CPAP compliance and therefore your chances of improved health and long life:
1. Select quality CPAP equipment, not cheap junk. Doctors only recommend three manufacturers, who invest millions in R&D every year: ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics. Picking a CPAP machine and mask among these three brands is fairly easy, with some help. Unfortunately, there are many questionable websites that offer a bunch of junk brands that your doctor would never recommend. Junk brands will only waste your money. We are not talking about getting a good bargain on a DVD or flat screen TV. Your health and even your life are at stake.
2. Choose wisely when selecting a CPAP supplier. Avoid the dubious websites that sell grey-market CPAP equipment. You might end-up with a refurbished CPAP machine that just looks like new, but doesnt have warranty coverage or isnt even sterilized. (Many used machines on the grey market are from patients in nursing homes who have passed away, possibly from pneumonia or other respiratory diseases.) Be safe and smart: use a CPAP supplier that is certified by the National Apnea Association and/or is a ResMed Preferred Internet Provider.
3. Get a CPAP coach to make CPAP easier. The research shows that patients who get additional help with their CPAP have anywhere from 88-93% chance of success. This is almost twice the national average of 50%. Using, cleaning, and maintaining your CPAP is much easier with an expert who can coach you along the way. Look for a quality CPAP supplier who also provides CPAP coaching – preferably for free.
