How Does Sleep Apnea Affect The Heart

If you snore loudly or wake up feeling exhausted, it might be more than just a bad night’s sleep, it could be affecting your heart. Sleep apnea isn’t just about disrupted rest. It can put a serious strain on your cardiovascular system, raise your blood pressure, and even increase your risk of heart attack or heart failure.

At Cardiology Care NYC, we see firsthand how closely sleep and heart health are linked. Here’s what you need to know.

Table of contents

What Is Sleep Apnea and How It Works?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused when throat muscles relax and block the airway.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Caused when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles controlling breathing.

Every pause in breathing lowers your oxygen levels, forcing your heart to work harder. Over time, this can cause long-term damage to your cardiovascular system.

How Sleep Apnea Affects the Heart?

When your oxygen drops during apnea episodes:

The heart muscle is stressed due to low oxygen supply.
Blood pressure surges as your body releases stress hormones to restart breathing.
Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) can develop, often diagnosed through a holter monitor test or an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of:

Heart failure
Heart attack while sleeping
Stroke, a risk that can be assessed with our stroke screening

Sleep Apnea & Blood Pressure Problems

Sleep apnea can cause spikes in blood pressure at night and early morning, making hypertension harder to control. In fact, sleep apnea and high blood pressure are strongly connected.

Apnea reduces the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.
It increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

We recommend a blood pressure screening to monitor your levels if you have symptoms.

Dangerous Complications

Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat, may require monitoring via holter monitor
Chest pain at night or upon waking
Sudden cardiac death risk increases
Rarely, the heart stops while sleeping

Symptoms That Suggest Sleep Apnea Is Affecting Your Heart

Persistent morning headaches
Shortness of breath at night
Extreme fatigue despite full sleep
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

If you have these symptoms, don’t delay getting tested.

Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Sleep Study (Polysomnography): Gold standard for diagnosis
Cardiac screening: To assess heart strain and function
CPAP / BiPAP machines: Keep airways open at night
Oral appliances: Alternative for mild cases
Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, reduced alcohol, stress management
Side-sleeping can help, but the myth about sleeping on the left side being bad for your heart is not supported by strong evidence
Additional tests like an echocardiogram or stress test may be recommended

Prevention & Heart Health Tips for Sleep Apnea Patients

Treat sleep apnea early to prevent permanent heart damage
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
Consult with your cardiologist, especially if you have high blood pressure or arrhythmias

Conclusion

Sleep apnea isn’t just a sleep disorder, it’s a serious heart health risk. The good news? Treating it can lower blood pressure, reduce heart strain, and help you live longer.

If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with our team at Cardiology Care NYC. Your heart will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can mild sleep apnea still affect my heart?

Yes. Even mild cases can raise blood pressure and strain your heart over time.

Is daytime drowsiness always a sign of sleep apnea?

No. Fatigue can have many causes, but if paired with snoring or gasping, it should be checked.

Can treating sleep apnea reverse existing heart problems?

It can prevent further damage and improve symptoms, but may not fully reverse established disease.

Does sleep apnea affect how my heart responds to exercise?

Yes. It can reduce oxygen delivery, making workouts harder and less effective.

Could my heart medication be less effective if I have untreated sleep apnea?

Yes. Apnea can interfere with blood pressure control, reducing medication effectiveness.

Can sleep apnea cause chest pain?

Yes. It can strain the heart and trigger discomfort, but chest pain should always be evaluated urgently.

Source

American Heart Association – Sleep Apnea and Heart Health
Harvard Health Publishing – How does sleep apnea affect the heart
Sleep Foundation – Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare – How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Heart

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational & educational purposes only and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health-related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.