Sleep Apnea Increases Your Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
Medical researchers from the Mayo Clinic suggests that sleep apnea increases patients risk of sudden death by heart attack. The research highlights the importance of regular CPAP therapy.
In a study of over 10,000 patients, researchers found that sleep apnea was a serious risk factors for sudden death among patients with heart disease. (It was second only to being over 60 years of age.)
When not treated by CPAP therapy, sleep apnea causes nighttime oxygen levels in the blood to drop. Because the blood has less oxygen, the heart is over-stressed in its attempt to get sufficient oxygen to the brain and other vital body organs.
The research shows that these low oxygen levels results in the blood vessels altering in a way that promotes cardiovascular disease. (Other cardiovascular diseases that apnea is also associated with includes hypertension and stroke ” along with the related disease of Alzheimers.)
Essentially, the patients brain and body shut down from suffocation. The lack of oxygen is due to the patients throat restricting airflow during an apnea episode.
The National Apnea Association (NAA) strongly urges apnea patients to regularly use the most widely prescribed form of sleep apnea treatment: CPAP (continuous positive air pressure). Other benefits of regular CPAP use include higher energy levels, less frequent or severe depression and easier weight loss.
Despite the added health benefits and effectiveness of prescribed treatment with CPAP therapy the average compliance for the nation is only 50%. This is because patients on therapy have to establish regular, nightly use of the equipment, which includes a CPAP mask connected to a tiny air compressor.
According to the NAA, there are three proven strategies that will increase your chances of success with CPAP therapy:
1. Only buy doctor-recommended CPAP equipment ” namely these three manufacturers: ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics. These three manufacturers invest millions in R&D each year. Unfortunately, many websites unknowingly offer ‘questionable’ CPAP equipment manufactured in China that neither your doctor nor the NAA would recommend.
2. Only buy your CPAP equipment from an authorized dealer. Avoid the many questionable websites that sell grey-market CPAP equipment. By buying from a ResMed Preferred Internet Provider, you can be sure that your equipment is brand new (not used equipment that is refurbished to look like new). Avoiding used equipment is important given that some used equipment has not even been fully sterilized, putting you at risk of respiratory infections.
3. Get the help and support that you deserve to make CPAP easier. The research shows that patients who get CPAP coaching basically double their chances of success: from under 50% to over 90%. An example of a CPAP supplier who provides free coaching is MySleepMask.com, the NAAs 2008 award winner of Online CPAP Supplier of the Year.