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An increasing amount of research is looking at why these health problems are related to problems that erupt the upper airways of people with sleep apnea. It is well known that being overweight, smoking and abusing alcohol contribute to sleep apnea and lead to a higher chance of developing heart disease and hypertension. It is not clear however why some people without these lifestyle problems still develop sleep apnea. <br />
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Whenever breathing stops during a sleep apnea episode the bloodstream shows higher carbon dioxide levels and decreased oxygen levels. As a result of this, several both chemical and physical events occur in the body which then raises the possibility of other problems being seen. <br />
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In individuals who suffer from sleep apnea and who are also overweight researchers have discovered high levels of immune factors known as interleukin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. High levels of these factors can lead to serious inflammation which can cause cell damage, particularly in the arteries. In one study it was found that individuals with raised levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha experienced shortness of breath, excessive tiredness and weak heart pumping. However it must be said that at this time no clear causal relationship has been scientifically established between sleep apnea and heart disease.<br />
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A lot of studies have been conducted to study sleep apnea and high blood pressure and a link has been established between the two. To give an example, a study undertaken in 2000 looked at patients for four years and showed that the more apnea episodes they experienced during the first year the greater was the chances of developing hypertension by the third or fourth year. Even amongst those who snored or who experienced mild sleep apnea there was a weak but still higher than normal link with hypertension. <br />
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Previously the link between sleep apnea and high blood pressure was considered to be strongly linked to obesity. Recent studies however are pointing to the fact that hypertension is seen especially in people who have sleep apnea no matter how much they weigh. <br />
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Blood pressure affects sleep apnea simply because it changes markedly during repeated sleep apnea episodes. These changes are also related to changes in the form of sudden surges which take place in the sympathetic nervous system. This system controls involuntary muscles and particularly those which occur the heart and blood vessels. It is now strongly believed that as time go by these changes may play a major role in the development of permanent long term high blood pressure.</div><div class='uawresource'><div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br />
About the Author:<br />
</div><div class='uawlinks'>Help-Me-To-Sleep.com offers comprehensive information on a number of different sleep disorders including <a href="http://help-me-to-sleep.com/insomnia/">insomnia</a>, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, jet lag and <a href="http://help-me-to-sleep.com/sleep-apnea/">sleep apnea</a>. </div><br />
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