In a previous blog post, I discussed how CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and custom oral appliances could be used to facilitate night-time airflow into the lungs, preventing snoring and aiding mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Researchers in England have found a new development in sleep apnea treatment. A CPAP breathing machine can improve heart function and may even prevent heart failure.
According to a new study, published by the American Heart Association, researchers at England’s University of Birmingham used echocardiogram exams to study heart structures and function in sleep apnea patients before and after CPAP therapy.
Patients were broken into three groups:
- Group One: Patients with High Blood Pressure
- Group Two: Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Group Three: Healthy Control Group
The lead researcher, Gregory Lip, found asymptomatic sleep apnea patients had measurable heart damage. The observable structural and functional changes found in moderate to severe sleep apnea patients were found to be akin to those suffering from high-blood pressure.
All three groups were treated across six months with CPAP. After a second round of echocardiograms, much of the heart damage had been reversed in several major areas:
- Reduced thickness of the heart muscle wall
- Improvement in cardiac function
- Loosening of the cardiac chambers
Given the therapy’s role in improving overall heart health, sleep apnea patients should consider CPAP treatment regardless of cardiac problems. This could translate to a major reduction in stroke and risk for other heart-related diseases.
If you suffer from sleep apnea and are considering CPAP as treatment please do not hesitate to contact me. Learn more about Dr. Tanenbaum here.
