08/22/2016 14:57
Did you know that the average person has about five hundred irregular heartbeats a day? These are called palpitations. Most of them we don’t even notice, but when we do, it can be worrisome. If you are feeling what you think to be more than the normal amount of heart palpitations, it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.
Other common sleep apnea symptoms include:
• Loud snoring
• Holding the breath while sleeping
• Gasping for air
• Waking up several times a night, sometimes without realizing it
• Morning headaches
• Listlessness and moodiness
• Regularly craving fatty, sugary foods and caffeine
• Fatigue
• And in some cases, depression
Sleep disorders play a large role in cardiovascular disease. Those with obstructive sleep apnea have shown a higher risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. And those who have suffered a heart attack are considerably more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea. OSA can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, chest pain, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart defects.
It is important that you see our Los Angeles sleep apnea doctor if you recognize more than one of the signs listed above in your everyday life. It can be affecting your health in unexpected ways.
