Sleep Disorders and what Cardiologists need to know

• By Annie1945
• Reply 3491844
• October 26, 2012 at 2:57 pm
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Thanks Mary,

This is a good video!

• By Artista
• Reply 3493220
• October 27, 2012 at 6:49 am
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I have been reminded by Joan again and now you (again) to have this done. I don't think I have issues but really... How can I tell properly? Thanks Mary!!! :)

• By angelak
• Reply 3493377
• October 27, 2012 at 8:29 am
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Thanks for posting Mary!

It was reading about Dr. Somers' research that led me to be tested for sleep apnea.

• By Kennarina
• Reply 3494406
• October 27, 2012 at 3:59 pm
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Thanks for this link, Mary - such good information.

Last year, I was contacted by Dr. Steven Park of New York City, a sleep specialist and author of the book "Sleep Interrupted", whose comments about the links between women's heart attack symptoms and possible sleep apnea were remarkable.

For example, he wrote: "Women describe severe heartburn as a major (heart attack) symptom. If these women were having a sudden increase in the number and severity of sleep apneas, then it’s expected to have more severe reflux, due to the negative pressures in the chest." More on this at: "Are Your Sleep Problems Linked To Increased Heart Disease?" - http://myheartsisters.org/2011/02/22/sleep-linked-to-heart-disease/

Dr. Park also wrote: "Physicians have to erase the image of the traditional sleep apnea patient as being overweight, snoring, male, with a big neck."

It really makes sense that something as profoundly restorative to the human body will affect our hearts as well, doesn't it?

XOXOXO

• By laurali
• Reply 3496339
• October 28, 2012 at 1:07 pm
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Thanks for sharing! I was diagnosed with sleep apnea 6+ years ago. My diagnosis did NOT require an overnight in the hospital. Kaiser outfitted me with a cuff containing a computer chip and caps that fit on three fingers which I wore at home one night and returned to the clinic to be read the next morning. Probably not as detailed as the hospital stay version, but it was enough to tell that I definitely had apnea and at what levels. Probably a much less expensive way to screen lots of patients. I have been rechecked a couple of times over the years (and CPAP pressure adjusted), but this was done by reading the CPAP data recorder chip at the sleep clinic -- I just take my unit in to them. I recently had a bad cold and could not use the CPAP/mask because of stuffed nose. After a few nights, I definitely noticed a big difference from not sleeping with my CPAP. laurali

• By Huskiefan
• Reply 3499509
• October 29, 2012 at 3:51 pm
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My family has been telling me for several years that it scared them to hear me sleep. Since my cardiac event in March of this year caused me to meet our $5,200 per year medical deductible, my husband & I have both been trying to get everything done medically that we needed to before the end of the year. For me that included a sleep study. I asked my cardiologist to make the referral and they were happy to do it. They told me they have often referred their patients since sleep apnea can lead to atrial fib.

I did my sleep study and now have been using my CPAP machine for about 7 weeks. I feel so much better! BUT, Considering that the sleep study costs $5,500 plus the CPAP machine costing $2500 ...plus the mask & hose...it's a lot of money! I can see why many people don't get a sleep study when the whole process is so expensive.

• By MaryLG
• Reply 3499569 · In reply to 3499509 by Huskiefan
• October 29, 2012 at 4:09 pm
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Huskiefan,

Thank you for adding that. Just a couple of thoughts from my own experience.

I was first tested at Kaiser, with a take home monitor. I put it on backward on my fingers, and it was pinching. Hurt like hell. The results electronically showed them that I was "dead". (lol). Try two: Did it, came back mild-moderate. They said OK, we'll try it out, we tried several masks, but I never found a fit, nor a machine that did what I needed. Part of that was because they only had a couple of models at that time. They contracted with a certain company, so it was a narrow program. I never adapted and eventually left the HMO. (the equipment and masks were no extra $$ at Kaiser, or probably whatever the contribution required).

As my CP kept going, I didn't pay too much attention. I eventually got diagnosed with MVD at Stanford 7 years ago. Shortly thereafter, I had a new, sharp internist. She suggested I go to a private sleep med MD. I ended up with 1 or two sleep studies in his lab. Yes, it was $1000-2000 (can't recall) for each study, but as I had a 3400 deductible and I'd med it for the MVD angio, it didn't cost me out of pocket much. The machine was on a payment plan thru my supplier company and insurance. I paid somewhere between $100-200 a month till it was paid. I'm sure this rolled over into the new calendar year. I've had it now almost 5 years as of Jan. At that point, my insurance will find me eligible to replace it with a new one (this one whistles). Of course, come January, it will be ANOTHER 3400 deductible, but I can put it on a payment plan as before and go forward. Here's the deal. The machines can cost far less than that, so you have to shop the online resources. You do need a scrip for it though and then you submit to insurance. I think one might pay less that way.

Either way, since using CPAP, I don't wake with CP at night. It helps my daytime functioning and energy. Aside from the vanity issue, I look forward to the complete and thorough rest I get, and dreams, dreams, dreams. I just wish it was all much cuter.

My husband also uses one and may have the surgery for his turbinates before the end of the year. At that point, he might be able to get away from such a high pressure. He has an almost complete blockage irregularity on his left nasal passage. I have a half blockage on my right. Seems pretty common that we have these internal irregularities, too.

Best,
Mary

• By Huskiefan
• Reply 3502067 · In reply to 3499569 by MaryLG
• October 30, 2012 at 3:30 pm
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I too wish the mask & equipment was "cuter" ha ha . I am still getting used to my set up as it has not been all that long since I got my machine & mask. I do feel really good though. I think it - combined with all of my other life changes - has made a big difference in how I am feeling.

My mom had atrial fib which led to her having several mini strokes. If sleeping with this goofy looking mask helps me avoid that then I shall wear it and look goofy! :-)

• By shamal
• Reply 3502460
• October 30, 2012 at 5:47 pm
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I know my heart arrhythmia and sleep apnea were connected. The problem with diagnosis, is many insurance companies require a sleep lab diagnosis and do not recognize or cover the at home monitors. My cardiologist got me approved as he knew from seeing the home study that there was a definate connection. I did buy my own machine however. I have a friend who bought a machine and now does not need it now. She was wondering how to donate it to someone in need.

• By MaryLG
• Reply 3502551 · In reply to 3502460 by shamal
• October 30, 2012 at 6:18 pm
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Shamal,

That's very helpful. I know my own sleep MD has a machine "bone-yard" in the back room, and they give/sell them at reduced prices or for free. My MD also agreed to drop the rate substantially when I told him of my two nephews who both have severe snoring, but can't afford studies. People should know that exceptions are made. Donate the machine to a lab where they do this, cause using the machine does require some expert guidance.

All the best! Mary