Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Overview

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where a blockage or narrowing in your airway keeps air from moving through your windpipe when you’re asleep.

The blockage and lack of airflow can cause your blood oxygen levels to drop. This triggers a survival reflex in your brain that wakes you up just enough to breathe again. While that reflex is key in keeping you breathing, it also disrupts your sleep.

If you have frequent wakeups at night, you won’t feel rested in the morning. That can lead to a wide range of symptoms, many of which can affect your daytime functioning. Over time, these symptoms can lead to dangerous and sometimes life-threatening complications.

A healthcare provider can help you manage symptoms of OSA.

How common is obstructive sleep apnea?

OSA affects up to 1 billion people around the world who are between the ages of 30 and 69.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.