60 pc people having heart attacks might have OSA: Pulmonologists
Disorder caused by repetitive collapse of upper airway during sleep
Post by on Saturday, February 19, 2022
Srinagar, Feb 18: Valley based top pulmonologists have claimed that 60 percent of the people who suffered heart attacks might have Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder caused by the repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep. It is a sleep-related breathing disorder. OSA occurs when the muscles supporting the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, relax. This causes your airway to narrow or even close, momentarily cutting off your breathing.
One common problem you may not be aware of is sudden cardiac arrest.
Dr Mir Faisal, valley-based Pulmonologist told Rising Kashmir that 60 percent of the people who suffered heart attacks nowadays have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). At last, they die due to heart attack but they usually have OSA," he said.
He said that OSA is mostly found in obese people and who are snoring. “We have a lot of patients in Kashmir who are under treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. OSA is not rare in Kashmir," Dr Faisal said.
He said that the symptoms of OSA are morning headaches, snoring, general weakness and drowsiness during the day.
"A patient is facing difficulties in breathing. It can be severe and a patient can die also," he said.
Echoing the same views, Dr Mudasir Qadri, Associate professor at Department of General Medicine told Rising Kashmir that OSA is found in young people due to obesity.
He said that OSA has a link with heart attacks in Kashmir.
He said that doctors conduct sleep study tests of four to five patients at SKIMS hospital daily.
"Among elderly, the prevalence of OSA has increased due to longevity. With age, dementia and neurological disorders have also increased," he said.
Doctors said the OSA patients in Kashmir remain undiagnosed.
"There are three types of OSA, mild, moderate and severe. So, we start treatment of the patients after the sleep study test. When OSA is being diagnosed then the treatment depends on patients’ severity. If OSA is mild or moderate, then lifestyle changes are must like weight loss, intake of less carbs and exercise. If it is severe then we recommend CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure," they said.
Another pulmonologist, Dr Firdous Manzoor told Rising Kashmir that If OSA is not treated it can lead to metabolic disorders.
"OSA can lead to health problems like diabetes, heart attacks, hypertension, cardiomyopathy and heart failure," he said.
He said that sleep apnea is also found in drivers who fall asleep while driving.
"Most of the accidents of drivers happen due to OSA," Dr Firdous said.
Doctors said that it is very important for people to control weight, exercise regularly and take a balanced diet to prevent themselves from sleep apnea.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) - This device is one of the most common treatments for OSA. It is administered through a face mask worn at night. An air blower forces constant air through the nose or mouth and the pressure is just enough to keep the upper airway tissues from relaxing too much when asleep.
Recently, Singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri died due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
