CPAP And Your Heart Health
Sleep apnea is dangerous for your heart and cardiovascular system because it deprives the body of oxygen. The good news is, using CPAP may help both sleep apnea and heart health at the same time.
Key takeaways
- Sleep apnea strains your heart by repeatedly depriving your body of oxygen, raising the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
- A University of Wisconsin study found high CPAP compliance led to big blood-pressure improvements — while low compliance saw none, and stopping erased the gains.
- Worn-out supplies quietly reduce therapy effectiveness, so replace them on schedule to stay comfortable and compliant.
- Modern auto-titrating machines with humidification, EPR and AutoRamp make it easier to keep using CPAP every night.
What this article covers
How sleep apnea is linked to your heart
Sleep apnea is dangerous for your heart and cardiovascular system because it deprives the body of oxygen. Each time you struggle to breathe during the night due to your obstructive sleep apnea:
- you get less oxygen in your system, and
- your heart has to work much harder to get more blood flowing around your body.
The increase in effort from your heart can cause high blood pressure and other heart problems such as heart attacks and strokes. The good news is, using CPAP may help both sleep apnea and heart health at the same time.
Study: “CPAP Compliance Key to Reducing Cardiovascular Risks of Sleep Apnea”
The researchers at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine observed participants who were recently diagnosed with sleep apnea. By testing them before starting CPAP treatment and then again 3 months into their treatment, they were able to see how quickly CPAP treatment could affect heart health. They found:
- Patients with high compliance showed huge improvements in blood pressure
- Low-compliance test subjects didn’t see any results
- For those that stopped with high compliance, the benefits quickly disappeared
How to use your CPAP to reduce cardiovascular risks
Make sure you have working supplies
When your supplies are old, the therapy will become less and less effective. Because this happens slowly over time, most folks end up not noticing it. Instead, they will tighten their mask a little more, thinking they just need the seal a little closer. Eventually this leads to over-tightening that can cause pain, marks, and the annoying “hot mask” feeling. The less comfortable your CPAP supplies are, the harder it is to stay compliant and get your CPAP benefits. You can avoid this by replacing your supplies regularly. Consult our schedule for replacing your mask and supplies.
Shop replacement supplies
Make sure you have the right pressure
Sleep studies are no longer needed to ensure machines are providing the right pressure. Instead, newer CPAP machines are now auto-titrating, meaning they adjust to your needs breath-by-breath to give the most effective pressure needed all night. Today, ResMed, Respironics and Fisher and Paykel devices have automatic comfort settings to help you stay CPAP compliant:
- Humidification: 7 levels of humidity and an optional heated tube ensures you don’t dry out
- Expiratory Pressure Relief reduces pressure upon exhale, avoiding high pressure mask leaks
- AutoRamp: Starts your sleep therapy at a low pressure so you fall asleep more comfortably
If your equipment is up-to-date and you’re still having trouble with your CPAP treatment, please contact us for a free CPAP Check Up. Apnée Santé is here to help you get on the path to better sleep!
Free CPAP Check UpProtect your heart while you sleep
Staying compliant with CPAP can improve your blood pressure and heart health. Book a free sleep assessment to get started.
Book a free sleep assessmentFrequently asked questions
How does sleep apnea affect the heart?
Each time you struggle to breathe during the night, your body gets less oxygen and your heart has to work much harder to circulate blood. Over time this added strain can cause high blood pressure and contribute to heart attacks and strokes.
Does CPAP actually improve heart health?
It can. A University of Wisconsin School of Medicine study found that patients with high CPAP compliance showed large improvements in blood pressure within three months, while low-compliance subjects saw no results — and the benefits disappeared quickly for those who stopped.
Why does CPAP compliance matter so much?
The heart-health benefits depend on consistent use. Worn-out or uncomfortable supplies make it harder to stay compliant, so replacing them on schedule and using comfort features like humidification, EPR and AutoRamp helps you keep getting the benefits.
Do I still need a sleep study to set my pressure?
Not necessarily. Newer CPAP machines are auto-titrating, adjusting breath-by-breath to deliver the most effective pressure all night. ResMed, Respironics and Fisher & Paykel devices also include automatic comfort settings to help you stay compliant.
Apnée Santé provides this online information for education and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published here is not intended to replace a consultation with a physician regarding your medical care.
