5 serious illnesses caused by sleep apnea.
sleep apnea Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder that occurs during sleep. It is more common with increasing age and in overweight individuals. If left untreated, it can lead to various health problems, including:
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure, once developed, is incurable, but it can be managed and controlled. Normal blood pressure is typically 120/80 mmHg. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure.
2. Coronary artery occlusion.
Coronary artery disease is caused by the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, disrupting blood flow. This prevents the heart muscle from receiving sufficient oxygen and nutrients, leading to oxygen deprivation or partial death of the heart muscle tissue.
3. Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is when the heart beats faster or slower than normal, resulting in inefficient blood pumping to various parts of the body. This can increase the patient's risk of heart failure or stroke.
4. Stroke (cerebral artery occlusion).
Stroke, or cerebral infarction, occurs when the brain is deprived of blood supply due to a blockage in the blood vessels that carry blood to various parts of the brain. This lack of blood flow to the brain results in impaired movement and function. Therefore, if you experience any unusual symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately, as it can lead to paralysis or complete disability, making you unable to care for yourself.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where the body has higher than normal blood sugar levels. This is caused by a lack of insulin or reduced insulin effectiveness. People with sleep apnea have twice the risk of developing diabetes compared to those who sleep normally. The more severe the sleep disorder, the higher the risk of developing diabetes.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is becoming increasingly common and is receiving widespread attention in the medical field because it is considered a major risk factor for various diseases. If you are experiencing this problem, you should not ignore it as a minor issue and should consult a doctor to find a solution.
