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

In this article, The Health Standard’s medical experts share their expert perspectives on the findings and provide Washington residents with evidence-based recommendations to protect their health.

Why this is important to you

A recent study adds to the evidence of a strong link between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. However, the study’s findings highlight a problem that many young people tend to ignore. They feel that sleep apnea doesn’t affect them. This finding is critical for residents of Thurston County, Washington, as it continues 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 are at greater risk of developing heart problems, regardless of your age. “Our research highlights the need for screening for OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) in primary care settings, particularly in young adults who may benefit most from early intervention…,” said Dr Bhaskar Thakur, lead author of the study.

Know this: By managing your sleep apnea early, you can potentially reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and improve your overall health and well-being.

Expert medical advice and practical steps to better understand and manage sleep apnea

We reached out to our panel of health experts and they added some color to these findings.

Dr. Puja Uppal, family physician, commented, “This study highlights the importance of considering sleep apnea as a risk factor for heart disease, even in younger patients. We need to be more proactive in screening and treating sleep apnea to protect cardiovascular health. The results show that young adults with apOSA had a 45% higher prevalence of hypertension than those without!”

Know the signs of sleep apnea: Dr. Adriana Davis, DO, recommends: “Be alert for symptoms like loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches. If you experience these symptoms, see your healthcare provider promptly. And I want to let you know that many women are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed with sleep apnea. So if you are having trouble sleeping and have the above symptoms, talk to your doctor about whether you might need a sleep apnea study.”

Next steps: The STOP-Bang Questionnaire is a tool you can use to further your conversation with your healthcare team about your sleep. (Visit the resource here)

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Maintain a healthy weight:Dr. Shelandra Bell, DO, added, “…yes, obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea. Try to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight. The Thurston County Parks and Recreation Department may offer free fitness classes that can help you stay active.”

Using the CPAP machine: All of the doctors on our panel agreed that CPAP use was essential.

Dr. Uppal added, “For those diagnosed with sleep apnea, consistent use of your CPAP machine is essential. Use your CPAP machine every night, even when traveling. Many of my patients have found success in establishing a relaxing bedtime routine and sticking to a regular sleep schedule. This not only improves the quality of sleep, but also enhances the effectiveness of their sleep apnea treatment.”

Prioritize your health: Kristal Martin, PA-C, adds, “…managing your sleep apnea goes beyond just nighttime treatment. I encourage my patients to focus on their overall cardiovascular health. This includes maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet. Even a 10% reduction in body weight can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms. Additionally, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed can help reduce the frequency and severity of apnea episodes.”

Did you know that : 8.2% of you in Thurston County have been diagnosed with diabetes. Untreated sleep apnea can not only harm your heart health, it can also increase your risk of developing diabetes.

Main conclusions

Sleep apnea linked to increased cardiovascular risks:The study found that people 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:Surprisingly, “young adults (20 to 40 years) with AOSp had significantly higher risks” of certain cardiovascular diseases compared to those without AOSp.

Early intervention is crucial:Research suggests that managing sleep apnea early in life could potentially prevent or reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.

The essential

Sleep apnea isn’t just a sleep disorder—it’s a potential threat to your heart health, no matter your age. If you think you may have sleep apnea, don’t ignore it. Seek medical advice and take steps to improve the quality of your sleep. By treating sleep apnea early, Thurston 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. (Visit here)

Read more: Restless nights lead to a foggy mind. The doctor explains.

Health Standards News Feed:Brittle bones can turn a simple misstep into a life-changing event.

Thurston County Alert: Beyond Sleep.

5 Health Problems Linked to Sleep Apnea

Liver problems: Research has linked sleep apnea to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can range from simple fatty liver disease to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more serious condition involving inflammation and damage to the liver.
Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women with sleep apnea may be at increased risk for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy), and preterm delivery.
Cognitive impairment: Untreated sleep apnea is associated with problems with memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. These problems can affect daily activities and quality of life.
Mental health disorders: Sleep apnea is often associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The disrupted sleep and lack of oxygen caused by sleep apnea can negatively impact mental well-being.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): 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 for Thurston County, Washington

Did you know? there was 12789 deaths Since cardiac disease in Washington in 2021?

27.7% of you in Thurston County have been screened for cholesterol in the past 5 years.

8.2% of you in Thurston County have been diagnosed with diabetes.

33.7% of you in Thurston County sleep less than 7 hours per night.

82.3% of you in Thurston County have had a cholesterol screening within the past 3 years.

Important Health Facts: The above health data has a direct impact on your physical well-being and is essential in determining your overall health outcomes.

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