
Many of our Sleep Apnea patients are concerned about whether Sleep Apnea can cause a heart attack. The answer is yes, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can indirectly lead to a heart attack. Most people with OSA have other conditions, like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and possible underlying lung disease.
All of these comorbidities can add up and contribute to the “perfect storm” for the onset of a heart attack.
How would Sleep Apnea cause a heart attack?
Instead of resting and regenerating while sleeping, patients with Sleep Apnea are not getting the correct amount of oxygen into their lungs. The only way their cardiovascular system can compensate for this is to increase the cardiac output either by increasing the pulse or increasing the blood pressure delivery system to the vital organs.
This increase in blood pressure delivery can lead to pulmonary hypertension, peripheral hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmia. None of these conditions are safe, and all will lead to early aging and can precipitate a heart attack.
Because of this, evaluation and treatment of Sleep Apnea are incredibly important.
If you suspect you or a loved one might have Sleep Apnea, you should see a licensed physician that evaluates and treats OSA, such as an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor.
Meet Dr. John Austin
Dr. John Austin is a board-certified Otolaryngologist located in Brownsville and Harlingen, TX, with close to 30 years of experience. He is considered an expert in sinusitis and has performed thousands of nasal and sinus surgeries with a focus on Balloon Sinuplasty.
Dr. Austin is a member of the American Rhinological Society and is Board Certified in both Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology. He has published articles in peer-reviewed medical journals on diseases and surgeries of the nose and sinuses.
Tired of managing your sinus symptoms? Set up an appointment with Dr. Austin today by calling (956) 545-3824 or requesting an appointment online.

Contact one of our two convenient office locations in Brownsville or Harlingen for the highest quality ENT care.