Sleep Problems Can Increase Risk of “Brain Attacks”

HARLINGEN – Sleep apnea which disrupts a person’s ability to get a good night’s sleep can also increase their risk of suffering a stroke or “brain attack.”

That was the message of a new neurologist / neuro-hospitalist at Valley Baptist Medical Center, Dr. Raza L. Khan, who recently spoke on the topic in Harlingen.

Dr. Khan said one sign that someone may have sleep apnea is when they snore so bad that their throat gets blocked off when they are asleep.

“If you witness your spouse chocking at night, it’s a pretty good sign that they may have obstructive sleep apnea,” he added.
Dr. Khan cited several studies showing that patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea are at increased risk for stroke and possible death.

“Having sleep apnea doubles your risk of having a stroke or dying,” he added.

While many other factors increase a person’s risk of stroke – such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking – most of those risk factors are duly recognized by the general public as dangers. But in the case of sleep apnea, many people do not realize how dangerous it can be.

Dr. Khan said that recognizing and treating sleep apnea is a key step in reducing the patient’s risk of suffering a stroke. “Sleep studies”, such as those conducted at the Sleep Center at Valley Baptist Medical Center, can help determine if the patient has sleep apnea or another type of sleep disorder.

For more information on diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea, consult your physician and visit www.ValleyBaptist.net/medical-services/sleep-center.