Do you suffer from sleep apnea? You might also have high blood pressure. Research shows that the two conditions often go hand in hand. Read on to learn why that’s the case and what you can do about it.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea refers to a set of conditions in which breathing repeatedly starts and stops. It’s quite dangerous if left untreated.
How do you know if you have sleep apnea? You might be suffering from this condition if you snore loudly in your sleep. And even after you get a full night’s rest, you wake up feeling tired.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, known in the medical field as “hypertension,” is a common condition. It takes place when the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels is higher than it should be. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your blood vessels are, the higher your blood pressure will be.
Hypertension is dangerous. You might not have any symptoms, though that doesn’t mean that there isn’t serious damage to your heart and blood vessels. Moreover, untreated high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Blood Pressure
Systems in our body are connected, so it should come as no surprise that any problems you have with one system (such as the respiratory system) will affect other (such as the circulatory system).
When you have sleep apnea, the oxygen levels in your blood drop. That lack of oxygen in the blood leads to high blood pressure. People with obstructive sleep apnea have higher rates of hypertension than people without the condition.
Research being conducted at the University of New Mexico shows that people with sleep apnea have much lower levels of hydrogen sulfide than those without. Why is hydrogen sulfide important? It seems that this molecule limits inflammation and opens arteries.
Houston Sinus & Allergy: Your Sleep Apnea Experts
Are you suffering from sleep apnea and high blood pressure, and want effective treatment? Call Houston Sinus & Allergy today.
Houston Sinus & Allergy specializes in treating nasal and sinus conditions and providing allergy care. Our practice is committed to helping you find long term relief from your symptoms. Dr. Nguyen is a Board Certified ENT – Head and Neck Surgeon with extensive training & experience in diseases of the ears, nose & throat.
Click here to book an assessment, or call us at (832) 237-7777.
