Sleep apnea poses serious cardiovascular risks, warns Dr. Nguyễn Lân Hiếu

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Lân Hiếu, Director of Hanoi Medical University Hospital, has highlighted the significant health risks associated with sleep apnea, a condition often overlooked by patients because breathing interruptions occur during sleep.

Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing lasting more than 10 seconds. There are two primary types: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), where throat muscles relax and narrow the airway, and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), where the brain fails to send proper breathing signals, often seen in patients with severe heart failure. Common symptoms include loud, irregular snoring, gasping for air, morning headaches, dry mouth, and daytime fatigue.

The condition places immense strain on the cardiovascular system through four main mechanisms. First, intermittent oxygen deprivation forces the heart to beat faster and harder. Second, the activation of the sympathetic nervous system causes spikes in adrenaline, heart rate, and blood pressure. Third, changes in chest pressure can lead to increased blood volume in the right heart, potentially causing pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Finally, chronic oxygen deficiency and sleep disruption trigger systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which can accelerate atherosclerosis.