Fact 8: Hypertension – A Two-Way Street
The heart, a symbol of life and vitality, isn’t immune to sleep apnea’s grasp. The disorder’s association with hypertension, or high blood pressure, is particularly concerning. With every disrupted breath in sleep apnea, oxygen levels dip. The body, sensing this deprivation, goes into overdrive. Stress hormones surge, nudging the heart to work harder, pumping more blood to compensate. Over time, this increased effort can raise blood pressure levels, inching them into the hypertensive zone.
But there’s a twist. Not only can sleep apnea lead to hypertension, but those with high blood pressure are also more susceptible to developing sleep apnea. It’s a two-way street, with each condition amplifying the other’s effects.
Chronic hypertension is no mild concern. It lays the groundwork for a slew of cardiovascular issues, from heart attacks to strokes. The heart, under constant strain, can undergo wear and tear, diminishing its efficacy.(8)
