Sleep and Cardiovascular Disease

About Cardiovascular Disease

• Cardiovascular disease refers to ailments of the heart and blood vessels such as high blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease kills more people in the US than heart attacks and stroke
• While a heart attack or other cardiovascular problem may occur without warning, the causes are likely to have been present for decades

The causes vary widely and include genetics, obesity and lifestyle factors such as smoking and lack of exercise. In addition, certain sleep disorders increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Some of the symptoms of cardiovascular disease can include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden loss of vision, speech or movement
• Sudden dizziness, weakness, fainting, severe headache

The first step to test for CVD is to visit your doctor for a check-up. Treatment varies from person to person, but may involve use of medication, changes in lifestyle or surgery. Controlling cardiovascular disease lowers your risk of health complications and helps you live a long, healthy life.

About Sleep and Cardiovascular Disease

• Sleep disorders increase the chance of having cardiovascular disease
• Cardiovascular disease increases the chance of having a sleep disorder

Sleep problems are commonly found in people with cardiovascular disease. For instance, one out of every three people with high blood pressure also has [link to /sleep disorders/sleepanea.doc] sleep apnea (a frequent closing of the throat while sleeping). Some symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, daytime sleepiness, waking up gasping for breath, and long pauses in breathing during sleep.

Sleep apnea is an independent risk factor (can cause the problem all by itself) for high blood pressure. It may also increase the chance of abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks and stroke.

Unfortunately the opposite is also true: people who have congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation are more likely to have sleep apnea. Those with high blood pressure are also more likely to have insomnia or hypersomnia (too little or too much sleep).

People who suspect they have sleep apnea should see their doctor, not only so that they get better sleep, but also to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. People who already have cardiovascular disease should also be quick to seek help for sleep problems.

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