CPAP Machines May Help Lower Heart Disease Risk Related to Sleep Apnea

CPAP Machines May Help Lower Heart Disease Risk Related to Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea: A Growing Concern

Sleep apnea is a condition that frequently interrupts your breathing while you sleep and is often characterized by loud snoring. The condition affects as many as 30 million people in the United States, although only 6 million are diagnosed. Sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

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New Studies Suggest CPAP Machines Can Help

A pair of studies presented at the 2023 European Respiratory Society International Congress suggests a possible solution. Researchers say that using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine reduces mortality risk from cardiovascular disease related to sleep apnea. They also note CPAP machines could be superior to weight loss drugs for treating the condition.

First Study: CPAP Machines Reduce Mortality Risk

In the first study, researchers looked at two groups of adults with obstructive sleep apnea, one that stopped using CPAP machines in 2011 and another that continued to use them until 2015 or until death. The researchers reported that those who continued to use CPAP treatment nightly had a 40% lower risk of dying by any cause, a 36% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, and an 18% lessened risk of ending up in the hospital with cardiovascular disease than the group that stopped treatment.

Second Study: CPAP Machines Compared to Weight Loss Drugs

In the second study, researchers studied the efficacy of CPAP machines compared to weight loss drugs, as being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea. In that pilot study, researchers reported that the two groups that either used a CPAP machine nightly or used CPAP and took weight loss drugs each experienced reductions in arterial plaque and less inflammation in their aorta compared to a third group of patients that took only weight loss drugs.

Barriers to Accessing CPAP Machines

While CPAP machines might be the most promising treatment for preventing apnea-related deaths from cardiovascular diseases — as well as helping people get better sleep — there are some significant barriers to access that prevent more widespread usage of CPAP machines, experts said. The first is evaluation. "The main barriers are a lack of access to sleep testing centers, poor or no health care coverage, and lack of assistance when it comes to adjusting to using the CPAP," said Chelsie Rohrscheib, PhD, a neuroscientist and head sleep expert at sleep technology company Wesper.

Other Options for Treatment

Despite the barriers to accessing CPAP machines, experts say some options are available. "A healthcare provider can help a patient find one that works for them," said Dr. Chester Wu, an expert in sleep medicine and psychiatry. "A patient can also experiment with how they wear the device to find a more comfortable fit." Using a humidifier with a CPAP machine has been shown to increase adherence. If that’s still uncomfortable, there may be other treatment options, including a similar machine called a bilevel positive airway pressure machine, positional therapy, and surgery. However, these could be less effective than CPAP.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is a growing concern, and new studies suggest that CPAP machines may be a promising treatment option for reducing the risk of heart disease related to sleep apnea. While there are barriers to accessing CPAP machines, experts say that with the right evaluation and support, patients can find a treatment that works for them.

FAQs

Q: What is sleep apnea?
A: Sleep apnea is a condition that frequently interrupts your breathing while you sleep and is often characterized by loud snoring.

Q: How common is sleep apnea?
A: Sleep apnea affects as many as 30 million people in the United States, although only 6 million are diagnosed.

Q: What are the risks associated with sleep apnea?
A: Sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

Q: What is CPAP therapy?
A: CPAP therapy involves using a machine that pushes air through the nose via a nasal mask to prevent the intermittent collapse of the airway that characterizes sleep apnea.

Q: Are there barriers to accessing CPAP machines?
A: Yes, there are barriers to accessing CPAP machines, including a lack of access to sleep testing centers, poor or no health care coverage, and lack of assistance when it comes to adjusting to using the CPAP.

Q: What are some alternative treatment options for sleep apnea?
A: Alternative treatment options for sleep apnea include a similar machine called a bilevel positive airway pressure machine, positional therapy, and surgery. However, these could be less effective than CPAP.