2. High Blood Pressure: The Silent Tug-of-War Within Your Veins
High blood pressure, often referred to as hypertension, is more than just a set of numbers on your medical report. When it comes to sleep apnea, hypertension doesn’t operate in isolation. Think of it as the villain in a movie—quiet, dangerous, and often lurking in the shadows. It operates behind the scenes, making it one of the stealthiest side effects of sleep apnea.
But how does sleep apnea lead to high blood pressure? Imagine your body as a well-oiled machine, operating smoothly when all parts are in sync. Now introduce the interruption in breathing caused by sleep apnea. Every time breathing ceases, the oxygen level drops, causing your body to go into emergency mode. Your system releases stress hormones, essentially screaming at your blood vessels to tighten up, which consequently elevates your blood pressure.
The sneaky part? This increase in blood pressure doesn’t just happen during these episodes; it starts to become your body’s new norm. Even during the day, your blood pressure remains elevated, putting unnecessary strain on your heart and arteries. Over time, this persistent stress can cause lasting damage to your cardiovascular system, heightening the risk of heart-related issues down the line.(2)
