Few people think of snoring as anything more than an annoyance, however snoring with interrupted periods of breathing, known as sleep apnea, can be life threatening. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to cardiovascular problems that include heart attack and stroke.
Today, heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, and strokes rate fourth for causes of disability. We often hear how important it is to eat right and stay active for a healthy heart, but it is important to understand that nighttime is just as important. If your partner has complained about your snoring, you are at risk.
If you live alone, and find yourself feeling abnormally tired throughout the day or waking throughout the night for no reason, a sleep study should be done to determine the cause. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in men and obese individuals, but it can affect people of any age, body type and gender.
Treatment for sleep apnea is one simple preventative that you can do to avoid heart disease and strokes. Losing weight, using a CPAP or oral appliance and surgery are possible treatments, depending on the severity and cause of your apnea.
If you or your partner snores, contact Atlanta ENT for a consultation today. Your heart can’t wait.
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, President of Atlanta ENT
