Sleep apnea and cardiomyopathy
It is well known that sleep apnea can cause heart disease among other things. What is really disturbing is that sleep apnea can cause the actual deterioration of the heart muscle which is called cardiomyopathy . Cardiomyopathy is where the function of the heart muscle is at risk which could lead to a heart attack. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common type where the heart is enlarged and its ability to pump blood is diminished. The left ventricle of the heart is usually affected. The most common cause of cardiomyopathy is ischemia where there is a shortage of blood supply to vital organs like the heart. This lack of blood and oxygen can cause tissue damage of leading to cardiomyopathy. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy are: Being dizzy Being tired Shortness of breath Swelling of ankles and legs Chest pain High blood pressure Loss of appetite The connection between sleep apnea and cardiomyopathy is that sleep apnea contribu...