Study: Sleep Apnea Linked To Heart Problems

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Sleep apnea is much more than losing a good night's sleep. A new study details why the disorder can be so hard on a person's heart.

A person with sleep apnea can stop breathing for up to 10 seconds several times a night.

Researchers looked at 108 people with the disorder and found that even healthy patients had abnormally small and large blood vessels that can reduce blood flow to the heart.

"That is where coronary artery disease occurs and that's therefore how those vessels can become obstructed and heart attacks can occur," said Dr. Reena Mehra at the UH Case Medical Center.

Doctors say many people have sleep apnea and don't even know it, so getting a proper diagnosis is important. Making changes to your lifestyle can help, too.