Doctors Explain Buncombe County Alert: Young Adults Face Silent Sleep-Related Heart Threat.

In this article, The Medical Experts @ The Health Standard, share their expert insights on the findings and provide North Carolina residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.

Why This Matters to You

A recent study adds to the evidence that there is a solid link between sleep apnea and cardiovascular diseases. However, the findings of this study highlight an issue that many young people tend to ignore. They feel that sleep apnea does not apply to them. This finding is crucial for Buncombe County, North Carolina residents because the findings continue to highlight the heart health benefits of early detection and treatment of sleep apnea.

What This Means for Your Health

The new findings show that if you have sleep apnea, you may be at higher risk for developing heart problems–regardless of your age. The research highlights the need for OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) screening in primary care settings, especially for younger adults who can benefit the most from early intervention. By managing your sleep apnea early, you can potentially reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve your overall health and well-being.

Doctors’ Expert Insights and Actionable Steps to Better Understand and Manage Sleep Apnea

We approached our panel of health experts and they added some color to these findings. The study underscores the importance of considering sleep apnea as a risk factor for heart disease, even in younger patients. Being proactive in screening and treating sleep apnea can protect cardiovascular health. Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea, maintaining a healthy weight, consistent CPAP machine use, and overall cardiovascular health are key steps in managing sleep apnea.

Know the signs of sleep apnea:

Watch for symptoms like loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches. If you experience these, consult your healthcare provider promptly. Many women are often either misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed for sleep apnea. If you’re having trouble with your sleep and are expressing the symptoms above, ask your doctor if you may require a sleep apnea study.

Further steps:

The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a tool you can use to further your conversation with your healthcare team about your sleep. Want more personalized health insights from top doctors? Subscribe to our free evidence-based health newsletter.

Maintain a healthy weight:

Obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea. Aim for a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Take advantage of fitness classes offered by the Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Department to stay active.

CPAP machine use:

Consistent CPAP machine use is essential for those diagnosed with sleep apnea. Using your CPAP machine every night, even when traveling, can significantly improve sleep quality and enhance the effectiveness of sleep apnea treatment.

Prioritize your health:

Focus on overall cardiovascular health by maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet. Even a 10% reduction in body weight can improve sleep apnea symptoms. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime can help reduce the frequency and severity of apnea episodes.

Did you know that:

8.4% of individuals in Buncombe County have been diagnosed with diabetes. Untreated sleep apnea can harm heart health and increase the risks of developing diabetes.

Key Findings

Sleep apnea is linked to increased cardiovascular risks: Individuals with probable obstructive sleep apnea (pOSA) had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and overall cardiovascular disease.

Young adults are also at risk: Young adults with pOSA showed significantly higher risks for certain cardiovascular conditions compared to those without pOSA.

Early intervention is crucial: Managing sleep apnea early in life could potentially prevent or reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later on.

The Bottom Line

Sleep apnea is a potential threat to heart health, regardless of age. If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, seek medical advice and take steps to improve your sleep quality. By addressing sleep apnea early, Buncombe County residents can protect their hearts and enjoy better overall health for years to come.

Read the study in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Read More:

Restless Nights Lead to Cloudy Minds. Doctor Explains. Health Standard Newswire: Weak Bones Can Turn a Simple Misstep into a Life-Changing Event. Buncombe County Alert: Beyond Sleep. 5 Health Conditions that are Connected to Sleep Apnea

Liver Problems:

Research has found an association between sleep apnea and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can range from simple fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more serious condition involving liver inflammation and damage.

Complications in Pregnancy:

Pregnant women with sleep apnea may be at increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy), and preterm birth.

Cognitive Impairment:

Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to problems with memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. These issues can affect daily activities and quality of life.

Mental Health Disorders:

Sleep apnea is often associated with mood disorders like depression and anxiety. The disrupted sleep and oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea can negatively impact mental well-being.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

The pressure changes in the chest during sleep apnea episodes can contribute to acid reflux, worsening GERD symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.

Key Health and Medical Statistics of Buncombe County, North Carolina

Did you know there were 21302 deaths from heart disease in North Carolina in 2021? 28.4% of individuals in Buncombe County have been screened for cholesterol in the past 5 years. 8.4% of individuals in Buncombe County have been diagnosed with diabetes. 30.5% of individuals in Buncombe County are sleeping less than 7 hours per night. 85.9% of individuals in Buncombe County have had a cholesterol screening in the past 3 years.

Health Facts That Matter:

The health data above directly impact your physical well-being and are crucial in determining your overall health outcomes.