Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potentially life threatening condition that many people have but are not aware of. In fact, over 20 million Americans suffer from OSA and aren’t even aware of it.
An apnea occurs when breathing stops 10 seconds or more while you are asleep. Common signs of OSA are coughing or choking sensations that force you to wake up or “getting elbowed” by a sleeping partner.
Getting woken up from a deep sleep causes much strain on your heart and cardiovascular system.
Snoring is often associated with OSA, although not everyone who snores has this condition. OSA prevents air from reaching the lungs even though your body continues its effort to breathe.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause or worsen:
- High blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease
- Risk for heart attack
- Risk for stroke
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Weight gain
- Migraine headaches
- Hyperactivity in children
- Memory problems
- Impotency and sexual dysfunction
- Depression and anxiety
- Job impairment
- Motor vehicle crashes
If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, please do not hesitate to call Arizona Dental Medicine. We specialize in diagnosing and successfully treating patients with sleep apnea. Call today…(520) 297-9069