Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is strongly associated with serious cardiovascular complications. Frequent interruptions in breathing during the night reduce blood oxygenation, forcing the heart to compensate, often excessively.
What are the concrete effects of sleep apnea on your heart?
- High blood pressure: OSA is a major risk factor for hypertension. It can also make hypertension more difficult to treat, even with medication.
- Cardiac arrhythmias: Studies show a direct link between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation as well as other heart rhythm irregularities.
- Coronary artery disease: Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of heart attack and worsens existing heart failure.
- Chronic cardiac stress: Repeated drops in oxygen levels can cause significant stress to the heart, leading to hypertrophy (enlargement) of the heart muscle.
- High resting heart rate: An indicator of an overworked heart, this accelerated rate is a sign that the body is compensating for a chronic lack of oxygen.
- Worsening of heart failure: Apnea can destabilize patients already suffering from heart failure, making management more complex.
Ignoring the symptoms of sleep apnea puts your heart under constant stress. Appropriate treatment can make all the difference.
When should you consult a doctor?
Here are the signs that indicate it's time to assess the quality of your sleep:
- Loud and frequent snoring
- Persistent fatigue despite 7â8 hours of sleep
- Sudden awakenings with a feeling of suffocation
- Palpitations or morning headaches
- Drowsiness during the day or while driving
A home sleep test (called cardiorespiratory polygraphy) can detect apnea in just one night.
How to obtain a CPAP machine in Quebec?
Here are the steps to follow to ensure you receive proper support throughout your treatment process:
- Consult a doctor or dentist to obtain a prescription for a home sleep study (PCRS).
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Schedule your sleep study at La BoĂźte Ă CPAP.
âĄïž Book an appointment online - Receive and use the equipment at home for one night.
- The results are analyzed by a sleep specialist. A report with recommendations is provided to you.
- In cases of sleep apnea, CPAP therapy may be recommended. You can rent or buy a device depending on your needs.
At La BoĂźte Ă CPAP , we support you every step of the way:
- Comfortable and suitable CPAP masks
- High-performance CPAP machines (ResMed, Philips, etc.)
- Support service, warranty and fast delivery
- Teams available in clinics and online
Fast delivery throughout Quebec : Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Trois-RiviĂšres, Gatineau and more.
In summary
Sleep apnea is not to be taken lightly. By treating it, you significantly reduce your cardiovascular risks and improve your quality of life. Thanks to La BoĂźte Ă CPAP, the entire process â from diagnosis to treatment â ââis simple, quick, and localized.
Order your CPAP machine now or contact our team for personalized support in Quebec.