Dr. John Krehlik specializes in internal medicine and chronic sleep disorders. A board-certified sleep physician operating in Anchorage, Alaska, Dr. John Krehlik offers home-based diagnostics services to connect patients with serious conditions, such as sleep apnea, to immediate care.
Up to 40 percent of people with hypertension also have obstructive sleep apnea. Due to its comorbidity with high blood pressure, untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe health complications. Sleep apnea causes the patient to stop breathing for seconds or minutes at a time. This results in a lack of oxygen that places pressure on the cardiovascular system, including the arteries.
The body also reacts to the lapse in breathing by activating the fight or flight response which further elevates blood pressure levels. Additionally, people with obstructive sleep apnea do not experience a natural decrease in blood pressure during sleep. Waking up with elevated blood pressure can increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular problems.
Up to 40 percent of people with hypertension also have obstructive sleep apnea. Due to its comorbidity with high blood pressure, untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe health complications. Sleep apnea causes the patient to stop breathing for seconds or minutes at a time. This results in a lack of oxygen that places pressure on the cardiovascular system, including the arteries.
The body also reacts to the lapse in breathing by activating the fight or flight response which further elevates blood pressure levels. Additionally, people with obstructive sleep apnea do not experience a natural decrease in blood pressure during sleep. Waking up with elevated blood pressure can increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular problems.