Snoring is a common disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Although normal snoring is not dangerous to human health, repeated respiratory arrests during the snoring process can put the snorer's life at risk. According to the American Heart Association study (2012), repeatedly stopping breathing while snoring is dangerous and can lead to the development of cardiovascular problems and even death. This condition is known as sleep apnea. In this regard, an individual with sleep apnea experiences repeated interruptions in breathing up to thirty times per hour while sleeping. Such episodes are dangerous for snorers as they increase the risk of developing heart failure, hypertension, stroke and arrhythmias. Research shows that one in five people suffer from sleep apnea. America, in particular, has one of the highest incidences of people affected by this disease. According to Lettieri (2010), approximately 15 million adults in America suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Most people with sleep apnea are patients with cardiovascular problems and hypertension. As mentioned above, this condition is life-threatening and requires early treatment. This paper will review the historical evidence for the disease, its causes and its clinical effects on the cardiovascular system, complications and prognosis. The talk will also explore treatments and research associated with the disease. Historical Evidence Javaheri, Caref, Chen, Tong, and Abraham (2011) define sleep apnea as a condition characterized by repeated respiratory arrests during the snoring process. The episode usually occurs up to 30 times in an hour. Sleep apnea affects one in five adults. Currently, an estimate… halfway through the article… published by researchers at the Canadian Medical Association noted an approximately 20% increase in pneumonia cases among patients with sleep apnea, as noted by Jilek et al. (2011). Conclusion Sleep apnea is a health disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Research shows that 1 in 5 adults suffer from sleep apnea. In the United States, approximately 15 million adults suffer from this disorder. Sleep apnea is associated with various complications, including hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, acid influx, adult asthma, and traffic accidents, among others. However, the disease is treatable using a number of techniques, including behavioral therapy, surgeries, CPAP, APAP, and VPAP, among others. Therefore, patients with sleep apnea should seek treatment as soon as possible as the disease is easily manageable if treated early enough.
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