If you or a loved one has sleep apnea, you might be curious about how it relates to hypertension. The two illnesses are strongly related, according to research, with sleep apnea both causing and exacerbating hypertension. If left untreated, this harmful combo can raise your risk of stroke, heart disease, and other major health issues.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start frequently while you’re asleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most prevalent kind, is caused by relaxed neck muscles that restrict the airway. These breathing pauses, which can occur more than thirty times each hour, significantly lower blood oxygen levels.
Every moment you stop breathing:
- Your brain briefly wakes you to restart breathing (though you may not remember)
- Your heart works harder to compensate for oxygen deprivation
- Stress hormones like adrenaline are released
- Your blood pressure spikes
Link Between Sleep Apnea and Hypertension
Several studies verify that sleep apnea causes high blood pressure directly through a number of methods, including:
Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxia)
Oxygen levels fall when breathing pauses, which sets off your body’s “fight or flight” reaction. Blood pressure rises as a result of your heart pumping harder and blood vessels constricting.
Sympathetic Nervous System Overactivity
Your nervous system is always hyperaroused due to frequent nightly awakenings, which causes persistently high blood pressure even throughout the day.
Endothelium Dysfunction
The endothelium, which lines blood arteries, is harmed by low oxygen levels, which makes it harder for it to relax and appropriately control blood flow.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones that regulate blood pressure are affected by sleep apnea, including:
- Elevated renin, a kidney enzyme that causes blood pressure to rise
- Decreased nitric oxide, a substance that promotes blood vessel relaxation
- Increased aldosterone causes fluid retention and raises blood pressure
How Sleep Apnea-Related Hypertension Differs
High blood pressure caused by sleep apnea frequently has distinct features, such as:
- Resistant hypertension is difficult to manage with medicine alone
- Blood pressure that is “non-dipping” (does not fall naturally at night)
- Increased risk of early heart attacks and strokes due to morning blood pressure spikes
Treatment Options
Blood pressure regulation can be greatly improved by treating sleep apnea. Some successful strategies are:
CPAP Therapy (Gold Standard): During sleep, airways are kept open by a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Studies reveal that CPAP, like several drugs, can lower blood pressure by 3–5 mmHg.
Oral Appliances: In order to keep the airway from collapsing, mandibular advancement devices (MADs) realign the jaw. It is ideal for sleep apnea that is mild to moderate.
Changes in Lifestyle: Some lifestyle changes include:
- Losing weight (even 10% less helps OSA)
- Avoiding sedatives and alcohol (which further relaxes the muscles of the neck)
- Sleeping on one’s side prevents airway collapse
Final Say!
Sleep apnea is a major contributor to hypertension. However, you can decrease cardiovascular risks and blood pressure risks by treating sleep apnea. Consult our experts at Smile 360 Family Dentistry of Rancho Cucamonga about your sleep apnea and let us help you.
Call us at (909) 980-4878 to book your appointment.