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Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Complications

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical condition. Complications may include:

Cardiovascular problems. Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) can be up to two to three times greater than if you don't. The more severe your sleep apnea, the greater the risk of high blood pressure. If there's underlying heart disease, these multiple episodes of low blood oxygen (hypoxia or hypoxemia) can lead to sudden death from a cardiac event.

In contrast, central sleep apnea usually is the result, rather than the cause, of heart disease.

Obstructive sleep apnea also increases the risk of stroke, regardless of whether you have high blood pressure.

Daytime fatigue. The repeated awakenings associated with sleep apnea make normal, restorative sleep impossible. People with sleep apnea often experience severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability. You may have difficulty concentrating and find yourself falling asleep at work, while watching TV or even when driving. You may also feel irritable, moody or depressed. Children and adolescents with sleep apnea may do poorly in school or have behavior problems.

Complications with medications and surgery. Obstructive sleep apnea is also a concern with certain medications and general anesthesia. People with sleep apnea may be more likely to experience complications following major surgery because they're prone to breathing problems, especially when sedated and lying on their backs. Before you have surgery, tell your doctor that you have sleep apnea. Undiagnosed sleep apnea is especially risky in this situation.

Sleep-deprived partners. Loud snoring can keep those around you from getting good rest and eventually disrupt your relationships. It's not uncommon for a partner to go to another room, or even on another floor of the house, to be able to sleep. Many bed partners of people who snore are sleep deprived as well.

People with sleep apnea may also complain of memory problems, morning headaches, mood swings or feelings of depression, a need to urinate frequently at night (nocturia), and impotence. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be more prevalent in people with sleep apnea. Children with untreated sleep apnea may be hyperactive and may be diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

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Causes | Complications | Treatments | CPAP/BiPAP

Office Locations

BEL AIR OFFICE
Comfort Care Boutique at Upper Chesapeake Hospital
510 Upper Chesapeake Drive
Pavillion II Suite 512
Bel Air, MD 21014
443-643-3214
443-643-3214

TOWSON OFFICES
(Exit 27A off of 695)
7801 York Road
Suite 336
Towson, MD 21204
P: 410-828-0947
F: 410-828-8967

Comfort Care Boutique at St. Josephs Hospital
7501 Osler Dr Suite GR 11
Towson MD 21204
410-337-7117
410-337-2702 FAX

EASTPOINT OFFICE
(Exit 39 off of 695)
1105 North Point Blvd
Suite 325
Baltimore, MD 21224
P: 410-282-9660
F: 410-282-9661

ANNAPOLIS OFFICE
(Riva Road Exit off of 665)
2568 Riva Rd
Annapolis Md 21401

CATONSVILLE OFFICE
(Exit 13 off of 695)
405 Frederick Rd Suite 158A
Catonsville MD 21228
410-788-1881
410-788-1882 FAX

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