Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?

Can You Die from Sleep Apnea?

You might know someone who’s been diagnosed with this condition, but do you know what it is? This disorder affects 18 million Americans and is a “serious sleeping disorder” that causes people to stop breathing multiple times during their sleep. People with this condition stop breathing because the airway becomes blocked or because one’s oxygen levels drop; and then their brain wakes them up to start breathing again. Most of us know this as “sleep apnea” (the more common name), but its technical term is “obstructive sleep apnea.”

How Common is Death from Sleep Apnea?

It’s estimated that approximately 2% of patients with this health issue die from the condition. However, it’s also been shown that people with severe cases of OSA have a 66% chance of dying from stroke or heart attack.

In these cases, it could be said that their underlying conditions led to death; not the ailment itself. This is a very rare phenomenon, and most doctors believe OSA is more likely to be a contributing factor than the primary cause of death.

The scary thing about this health condition is how it can sneak up on you — you could die in your sleep without even realizing what’s happening:

“Many people with OSA don’t know they have it. They aren’t sleepy (though many are very tired) and don’t realize what is happening to them during the night. Suddenly, one morning they’ll find themselves feeling as though they haven’t slept at all and needing a nap in the middle of the day.”

However, if you’ve been diagnosed with this disorder and have a history of heart conditions, stroke, or diabetes it’s essential to be aware of these risks.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

As we mentioned before, this health condition is a serious sleeping disorder that causes people to stop breathing multiple times during their sleep and it can be fatal if left untreated. If you think you might have the condition, there are several symptoms you should keep an eye out for:

Unusual Snoring – As we said earlier, this is the most common symptom of disease and it’s why many people end up getting diagnosed.

Choking and Gasping in Sleep – This might result from loud snoring or signal that your airway is blocked. Either way, you shouldn’t ignore these sounds because they’re a hallmark of this disorder.

Daytime Sleepiness – If you feel tired all the time but never feel rested after a night’s sleep. It might be time to get checked out.

High Blood Pressure – People with this ailment are 2x more likely to have high blood pressure so if you’re already at risk for this condition, you want to get diagnosed and begin treatment.(https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/study-links-sleep-apnea-children-increased-risk-high-blood-pressure-teen-years)

Weak Immune System – This condition can lower your immune system, making it easier for you to get sick.

Chest Pain and Heart Disease – These are two common conditions that can be caused by (or exacerbated by) sleep apnea which is why it’s so important to work with a doctor if you think you might have this disorder.

In most cases, this health problem isn’t the primary cause of death for those who experience it but it can contribute to serious health problems and even play a role in fatal accidents.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out if you might have this health issue. It could save your life.