Sleep Apnea & Endothelial Function: A Bigger Problem Than You May Think

Is there a link between sleep apnea and your endothelial health? You bet, says a 2006 study. The research concluded that the hypoxemia (low blood oxygen) caused by sleep apnea was associated with endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Specifically, they found that the more severe the apnea-induced hypoxemia, the greater the deterioration in the heart’s left ventricular function and the endothelial function of large arteries. Other studies have found a link between obstructive sleep apnea (the most common form of apnea), hypertension and impaired endothelial function.

Men in greater danger. Sleep apnea was found to increase the risk of death by about 40% in an 8-year study of 6,400 men and women aged 40-70 years. Published in the August 18th online issue of PloS Medicine by lead author Dr. Naresh Punjabi of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the 2009 study found that men who had severe sleep apnea nearly doubled their risk of death by any cause, but most specifically by coronary artery disease.

They also found that it was the hypoxemia, not the disruption in sleep, that was linked to increased death. The more severe the hypoxemia, the greater the risk.

Prevalence. Sleep apnea affects 1 in 4 men and 1 in 10 women. Though anyone of any age can have it, you are more likely to be affected if you are middle-aged, senior, overweight or a smoker. Sleep apnea is characterized by short and frequent disruptions in breathing that reduce the oxygen saturation level in your blood and partially rouse you from sleep.

Telltale symptoms include daytime sleepiness and loud snoring. Most sleep apnea goes untreated because people don’t realize they have it, or they ignore the symptoms.

Don’t snore? You still could have a serious problem. Sleep apnea—and the dangers of sleep apnea—may be bigger than you realize.

Left untreated, it can lead to endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and even death.

Boomer men (and women) take heed. It’s difficult to know if you have sleep apnea without a sleep disorder evaluation. But everyone should begin with an endothelial function test because of its link to sleep apnea. If your endothelium is impaired—whether you’re a snorer or not—get the sleep disorder evaluation done. Your future health is on the line.