The common sleep disorder that could have grave consequences if left untreated

Leaving sleep apnea untreated can accelerate it heart aging The condition increases a person’s risk of premature death, a new study has warned.

Sleep apnea is a respiratory disorder This affects people while they sleep, causing pauses and irregular breathing patterns in the middle of sleep that can last from a few seconds to minutes.

It is characterized by patients with symptoms such as: daytime sleepinesssnoring and fatigue despite getting adequate sleep.

Exactly how this condition affects the body in the long term is still being studied and researched. continuous work.

In the latest research, scientists conducted experiments in a special mouse model in which they simulated the intermittent drops in oxygen levels characteristic of sleep apnea.

Researchers evaluated how long-term exposure to these conditions affected heart health throughout the rodents’ lifespan.

They found that mice exposed to these conditions had a significantly higher risk of death compared to those under normal oxygen conditions.

In particular, scientists have observed clear signs of accelerated heart aging, including increased blood pressure, impaired heart function, decreased blood vessel elasticity, as well as abnormalities in the electrical activities of the heart.

The findings support theories that the chronic stress placed on the body by untreated sleep apnea can fundamentally alter the structure and function of the heart in ways that can shorten lifespan.

“Compared with controls, IH (intermittent hypoxia) mice exhibited higher mortality, elevated blood pressure, impaired systolic and diastolic function, atherosclerosis, reduced coronary reserve, and ECG abnormalities,” the researchers wrote in the study.

The study highlights “how critically important it is to diagnose and treat sleep-disordered breathing as early as possible,” says study author Mohammad Badran of the University of Missouri School of Medicine.

“Our findings show that the consequences of obstructive sleep apnea go far beyond poor sleep quality,” Dr Badran said.

“Long-term intermittent hypoxia creates a cumulative burden on the cardiovascular system that accelerates biological aging and increases the risk of death,” he said.

Although the study was conducted on mice, researchers say the findings are still relevant to human health.

“The results make the message clear: Untreated sleep apnea is not benign. It is a progressive condition that can lead to fatal outcomes,” said David Gozal, the study’s other author.

Researchers call for early screening and intervention programs, including the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, a common sleep apnea treatment to deliver gentle, pressurized air through a mask while the patient sleeps.

They say implementing early intervention can be especially important in rural and underserved communities, where heart disease may also be common.