¶ … Cardiac Disorders and Sleep Apnea The objective of this study is to ascertain the relationship between cardiac disorders and sleep apnea. Toward this end, this work will examine the research on this area of study.

An American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association Council for High Blood Pressure Research Professional Education Committee, Council on Clinical Cardiology, Strike Council, and Council on Cardiovascular nursing report states that "Sleep-related breathing disorders are highly prevalent in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects an estimated 15 million adult Americans and is present in a large proportion of patients with hypertension and in those with other cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation." (Somers, et al., 2008, p.1080) Central sleep apnea occurs primarily in patients with heart failure. (Somers, et al., 2008, paraphrased)

The work of Halberstadt (2010) states that many deaths that occur among individuals in their 40s and older which have been attributed to heart disease or automobile accidents "may actually be related to an unseen epidemic of snoring and sleep apnea. Apnea, a potentially deadly phantom, is the frequent stoppage of breathing caused by relaxed tissues in the throat during...

Snoring is caused by vibrations of the relaxed throat tissues and is often the precursor or companion of sleep apnea. Although effective medical treatment for sleep apnea exists, this information has not entered routine medical practice nor does the public recognize the dangers. Unfortunately, even when apnea is suspected, it may be difficult to obtain qualified care. As a result, 95% of the millions of people who suffer from sleep apnea have not and may never be diagnosed, let alone treated. Nevertheless, the informed person with sleep apnea can take the initiative to get appropriate diagnosis and treatment and take the steps necessary to assure recovery." (Halberstadt, 2010, p.1) Halberstadt reports that some cardiological problems associated with sleep apnea are known and their risk possible to reduce through treating the sleep apnea.
I. Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is reported to be characterized by "repetitive interruption of ventilation during sleep caused by collapse of the pharyngeal airway. An obstructive apnea is a 10-second pause in respiration associated with ongoing ventilatory effort. Obstructive hypopneas are decreases in, but not complete cessation of, ventilation, with an associated fall in oxygen saturation or arousal. A diagnosis of OSA syndrome is accepted when a patient has an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI; number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep)