Sleep Apnea: The Silent Disorder That Tires Your Heart

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is characterized by repeated breathing pauses during sleep, due to excessive relaxation of throat muscles. These pauses last at least 10 seconds and sometimes occur more than 30 times per hour. It is estimated that one billion people could be affected worldwide.

Symptoms and consequences

Loud snoring, breathing pauses noticed by others, waking up with a choking sensation, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, concentration problems, irritability. In the long term, untreated OSAHS increases the risk of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and road accidents.

Diagnosis

Polysomnography (in-lab sleep recording) or nocturnal ventilatory polygraphy (at home) confirm the diagnosis and assess severity (apnea-hypopnea index).

Treatments

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the reference treatment: a nasal mask delivers an airflow that keeps the airways open. The mandibular advancement device is an alternative for mild to moderate forms. Weight loss, lateral positioning, and alcohol abstinence in the evening improve symptoms.