3. Heart Problems: More Than Just Matters of the Heart
Let’s pivot to a side effect that hits close to home for many: heart problems. It’s well-known that heart issues can be fatal, but less commonly discussed is the intricate relationship between sleep apnea and heart conditions. Unlike a broken bone or a skin rash, heart problems due to sleep apnea don’t announce themselves; they creep up on you.
The mechanics behind it are equally unnerving and fascinating. During episodes of apnea, the levels of oxygen in the blood drop, causing an imbalance in the ratio of oxygen to carbon dioxide. This triggers an adrenaline rush, which, in turn, puts the heart under excessive strain. The body’s ‘fight or flight’ mechanism kicks in when it should be at rest, causing your heart to work overtime.
If you’re imagining a heart frantically pumping away like a car engine revving without a break, you’re not far off. The extra workload on the heart increases the risk of heart-related complications such as atrial fibrillation, heart attacks, and even heart failure. A particularly concerning aspect is that you can’t feel this happening. It’s a covert operation, ticking like a time bomb. (3)
