Angioplasty complications associated with sleep apnea

Angioplasty complications associated with sleep apneaAngioplasty complications are associated with sleep apnea, according to new findings. Angioplasty is a procedure unblocking arteries with a thin catheter. The study included 241 patients who underwent angioplasty and were followed on average for six years.

Just over half of the patients had sleep-disordered breathing – including sleep apnea and snoring. During the follow-up, 21 percent of patients with sleep-disordered breathing had major heart events. In those who did not have sleep-disordered breathing, their risk of heart complications was only eight percent.
Those with sleep-disordered breathing also had a higher risk of death during the follow-up period.

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Study author Dr. Toru Mazaki said, “Sleep-disordered breathing, which includes snoring and sleep apnea, has long been recognized as an important risk factor for heart disease. However, there is limited awareness of sleep-disordered breathing among cardiologists who care for PCI [percutaneous coronary intervention] patients.”

Mazaki continued, “Doctors and patients should consider sleep studies [after an angioplasty] to rule out sleep-disordered breathing or take necessary precautions to restore healthy breathing during sleep.”

Treatment for sleep apnea includes wearing a CPAP device while asleep to ensure there is continuous airflow. Dental devices and surgery may be other viable options to treat sleep apnea.

Also, read Bel Marra Health’s article: Sleep apnea prevalence higher in stroke-related brain stem injuries.


Sources:
http://newsroom.heart.org/news/sleep-disorders-may-predict-heart-events-after-angioplasty


Author Bio

Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.

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