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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Associated with Heart Muscle Changes

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Ostructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is associated with physical changes in the heart muscle, according to a new study.
 
This is a breathing disorder wherein the pharynx (throat) closes up during sleep, causing gasping, wakefulness, and fatigue during the day. It is known to be associated with cardiovascular risks but this study showed actual physical changes in the heart, which reversed when the apnea was treated.
 
Treatment in this study consisted of a face mask breathing apparatus, but this is not always well tolerated. Surgical treatments are also an option.

Shape and function of the heart improves with apnea treatment

News-Medical.net - 4/4/2006 5:01 AM

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The OSA syndrome is characterized by repeated partial or complete closure of the pharynx, gasping episodes, sleep fragmentation, and daytime sleepiness. Previous studies have shown that sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks, including stroke, ischemia, arrhythmias, or sudden death.
 
This study included 43 patients (32 men and 11 women) with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep lab studies measured the severity and frequency of complete or partial interruptions of airflow. The shape and pumping action of the participants' hearts was measured using ultrasound. The researchers also examined 40 similar control subjects who were healthy and did not report any symptoms that would indic
 
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