Sleep Apnea Alert: Higher Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death

Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that obstructive sleep apnea increases your risk of sudden death by heart attack. Luckily there are easy ways to avoid death and get good sleep.

In a study of about 11,000 adults, researchers found that sleep apnea was the second biggest risk factors for sudden death among heart disease patients. (The second trait was an age of 60 years or older.)

Sleep apnea, a relatively common condition, causes the oxygen levels in the blood to decrease. This, in turn, puts a strain on the heart while it tries to pump adequate amounts of oxygen to the brain and body.

Due to the dangerously decreased oxygen levels, the blood vessels alter in a way that may lead to heart disease in the patient. Sleep apnea is being considered a risk factor that ranks with smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Essentially, the patients brain and body shut down from a lack of oxygen. The suffocation is due to the patients throat restricting airflow during an apnea episode while asleep.

So, what is the most effective form of sleep apnea treatment? Doctors almost always recommend CPAP (continuous positive air pressure). CPAP therapy not only can save your life, there are other benefits to finally get good, deep sleep. For example, CPAP therapy can reduce daytime drowsiness, depression, and weight gain associated with apnea.

Medical research points to how important it is to regularly use CPAP therapy. However, for many patients the nightly use of a CPAP mask connected to a CPAP machine is not an easy habit to make. That is why the national compliance average is only 50%.

Here are three strategies to increasing your chance of CPAP success:

1. Only use quality CPAP equipment. Doctors only recommend three manufacturers: ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics. These brands invest millions in R&D every year. It is very risky (perhaps deadly) to buy one of the junk brands that many questionable websites push. Before you waste your money or risk your life, ask your doctor about any brand other than the above three. Remember, this not about buying a bargain toaster or microwave oven at BestBuy. Your health and even your very life are at stake.

2. Beware when selecting a CPAP supplier. Avoid the online offers that sell grey-market CPAP equipment. You might end-up with a refurbished CPAP machine that just looks like it is new, but does not have warranty coverage or isnt even sterilized. (Many used machines on the grey market are from patients in nursing homes who have passed away, possibly from pneumonia or other respiratory diseases.) Be safe and smart: use a CPAP supplier who is certified by the National Apnea Association and/or is a ResMed Preferred Internet Provider.

3. Get a CPAP coach to make CPAP easier. The research shows that patients who get additional help with their CPAP have anywhere from 88-93% chance of success. This is almost twice the national average of 50%. Using, cleaning, and maintaining your CPAP is much easier with an expert who can coach you along the way. Look for a quality CPAP supplier who also provides CPAP coaching – preferably for free.