12. The Sleep Apnea-Heart Relationship: A Two-Way Street
For many, the assumption is that sleep apnea influences heart health, but the reverse is equally intriguing. That’s right, existing cardiac issues can exacerbate or even trigger sleep apnea symptoms. It’s a relationship that is more interconnected than many realize.
Take atrial fibrillation, for example. This irregular heartbeat doesn’t just raise your risk of heart-related issues; it can also make you more susceptible to sleep apnea. When your heart doesn’t beat regularly, the flow of oxygen throughout your body, including to your lungs, becomes erratic.
But it’s not just about your heart pumping irregularly. Conditions like heart failure also impact the fluid distribution in your body. When you lie down, the fluid moves into your lungs, potentially making sleep apnea worse.(12)
