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The Dangerous Combination of Sleep Apnea and Hypertension

Warrenton Dental Center • April 26, 2017

Snoring can affect just about anyone—even if you don’t realize you are doing it. While snoring occurs more frequently in men and those who are overweight, snoring tends to worsen with age. And, while occasional snoring is not very serious (and just a nuisance for your bed partner), it can be a risk for serious health problems, such as sleep apnea.  What is even worse, is the connection between sleep apnea and high blood pressure.

The Connection

Several studies have shown that sleep apnea and high blood pressure are quite the dangerous team—or should we say rivalries? When sleep apnea and high blood pressure are combined, it increases your risk for a stroke and heart attacks. Treatment of sleep apnea helps in lowering blood pressure. One treatment option might be an oral appliance, which helps to open the airway to encourage proper breathing at nighttime.

Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial for improving sleep apnea symptoms and diminishing hypertension. For example, losing weight if you are overweight, not drinking alcohol, and exercising regularly can all help in preventing the narrowing of your airway when you sleep.

Contact Dr. Bonnie Foster in Warrenton for sleep apnea treatment options in order to prevent hypertension and improve your health.

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