Sleep Apnea & Heart Disease in Reading, PA
Ready to get started?
Contact UsWhy Is A Good Night’s Sleep Vital To Heart Health?
Did you know sleep apnea and heart disease are linked? Sleep apnea can cause a range of cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and heart failure. At The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center of Pennsylvania, Reading sleep expert Dr. Stephen Sulzbach and his team are dedicated to educating patients about this connection and providing effective treatment options to protect their heart health.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels. It’s a broad term that encompasses various heart-related problems, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, and more. Heart disease can also involve damage to the heart muscle, problems with the blood vessels leading to or from the heart, or a low supply of blood to the heart. It’s a leading cause of death worldwide, including in the United States.
Risk factors for heart disease include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity
- A family history of heart disease
The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center of Pennsylvania Reviews
Dr. Sulzbach helped me with my sleep apnea and snoring. My wife is so much happier now!
I have had the luck and the pleasure of seeing Dr. Salzbach on several occasions. An extremely knowledgeable and professional, who truly does care about his patients. He takes the time to explain options, procedures to you in a way that you've understand and is very up front. I would highly recommend anytime to anyone.
Dr. Sulzbach and Corrine Lambert were amazing in taking care of my sleep apnea needs. I can’t wait to see how much improvement there is with the new device.
I have sleep apnea and felt awful for years. Just constantly tired. I can't wear the cpap. I tried but I just hate the thing. Dr Steve made a dental appliance and I am sleeping through the night without even snoring for the first time in probably 20 years. He's really laid back but straight to the point.
I have been going to Dr. Steve for years. He is a competent and wonderful dentist. It is a shame what Harrisburg tried to do to him. I guess when they need a scape goat to further their agenda they don't care who they try to hurt in the process. Rest assured he is by far the best dentist I have ever gone to and goes beyond the standard of care!
6
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Get In Touch
What Is the Link Between Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease?
According to the Sleep Foundation, there’s a strong association between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. Sleep apnea can cause a range of cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and heart failure. The repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep can also lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, which can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and other heart-related conditions.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease?
The symptoms of sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease can be similar, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Common symptoms of sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease include:
- Loud snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Morning headaches and dry mouth
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs or ankles
Does Treating Sleep Apnea Help Treat Heart Disease?
Treating sleep apnea can help prevent cardiovascular disease or stop the condition from getting worse. Successful treatment of sleep apnea can eliminate apneic and hypopneic breathing episodes, snoring, and the arousal responses caused by these respiratory events. By treating sleep apnea at our Reading, PA office, we help patients reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke and improve their quality of life.
Here are some specific ways treating sleep apnea can help prevent cardiovascular disease:
- Lowering Blood Pressure: Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Treating sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or oral appliances can help lower blood pressure levels during the night and day.
- Reducing Inflammation: Apneic episodes can cause inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the development of heart disease. Treating sleep apnea can reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
- Improving Sleep Quality: Treating apneic night-time disorders can improve the quality of sleep, which is essential for health and well-being. Restful, uninterrupted sleep can help reduce stress levels and improve heart health.
- Preventing Arrhythmias: Apnea can cause irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure. Treating sleep apnea can help prevent arrhythmias and improve heart health.
Learn More About Sleep Apnea and TMJ Center
About UsUnlock Better Sleep, Protect Your Heart
By treating sleep apnea, patients can reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke and improve their quality of life. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or are concerned about its impact on your heart health, contact The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center of Pennsylvania in Reading, PA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sulzbach, or fill out and submit the contact form below.
Our experienced team is here to help new and returning patients from Reading and surrounding areas such as Freemansburg, Hanover, and Allentown, PA. We can't wait to help you achieve better sleep and a healthier heart.
Sleep Apnea & Heart Disease FAQs
Can treating sleep apnea cure cardiovascular disease?
Treating sleep apnea can help prevent heart disease or stop it from getting worse, but it cannot cure heart disease. However, successful treatment of sleep apnea can eliminate apneic and hypopneic breathing episodes, snoring, and the arousal responses caused by these respiratory events, which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, inflammation, and arrhythmias.
If I have sleep apnea, am I guaranteed to get cardiovascular disease?
No, having sleep apnea does not guarantee that you’ll develop heart disease. However, untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing heart disease and other serious health conditions, including stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes
Does untreated cardiovascular disease make sleep apnea treatment less effective?
There’s a chance that failing to treat your heart disease can make your sleep apnea treatment less effective. Treating sleep apnea is still considered important, but medications, devices, or surgery for heart disease may also play a key role alongside sleep apnea therapy. Your sleep dentist will work in tandem with your primary care providers, cardiologist, and other medical professionals to ensure both conditions are treated effectively.
Should I get screened for sleep apnea if I have cardiovascular disease?
Yes, medical experts recommend that all patients with heart disease be screened for sleep apnea, as anywhere from 40 percent to 80 percent of heart disease patients also have sleep apnea. Treating apnea may help manage the heart condition.