The Hidden Link Between Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease

Do you wake up feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep? Loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or morning headaches could be signs of sleep apnea — and it’s not just about poor rest. Sleep apnea can put a serious strain on your heart.

How Sleep Apnea Affects the Heart

When you stop breathing during sleep:

• Oxygen levels drop.

• Blood pressure spikes.

• Stress hormones surge.Over time, this increases risk of:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)

• Heart failure

• Stroke

Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea

• Loud, chronic snoring

• Pauses in breathing during sleep (noticed by a partner)

• Daytime fatigue or brain fog

• Morning headaches

• Difficulty concentrating

Diagnosis & Treatment

• Sleep Studies (at-home or in-lab) confirm the diagnosis.

• Treatment Options:

  • CPAP machine (keeps airways open).

  • Oral appliances.

  • Lifestyle changes (weight loss, avoiding alcohol at night).

Sleep apnea is more than snoring — it’s a hidden danger for your heart. But with diagnosis and treatment, patients often feel more energetic and protect their cardiovascular health.

f you or your partner notice symptoms of sleep apnea, book a sleep evaluation with SD Premier Clinics. Better sleep means a healthier heart and lungs.