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Do Hypertension, High Cholesterol And Sleep Apnea Cause Heart Attack Or Stroke?

Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015

Question: My husband has stage 1 hypertension (150/90), high cholesterol (241, and with HDL and trigl factored in, it's considered HIGH), and severe obstructive sleep apnea. He has a BMI of 29.6. He drinks an average of 5 beers per day (some days less, some days more), and eats very unhealthy. (Lots of salt and sugar, lots of fat and pork, etc) I actually have to fix his dinner separately, as the children and I eat a more healthy diet. He has a CPAP mask but refuses to wear it. In his sleep study he stopped breathing around 45 times per hour. His oxygen levels fell below 80 several times. He will turn 50 in a month. There is no amount of begging, pleading or nagging that will make him use his CPAP, or change eating habits. I feel he is a walking, talking heart attack just waiting to happen. Realistically, how much longer can he go before something like a heart attack or stroke happens?

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Too early to worry as such. Has to predict with mathematical precision

Detailed Answer:
hi and thanks for the query

I understand how disturbing and challenging this could be. it is true his blood pressure and cholesterol levels are not within the normal limits. however they are also not very bad. with his age, I can safely think that a stroke or heart attack based on the parameters provided is not for any near future. it is important to know that the cardiovascular risk profile is bound to aggravate for sure in case nothing is done in this respect .

people support blood pressures and cholesterol levels differently. this means some people can tolerate higher blood pressures and cholesterol levels than others. to predict when exactly a stroke or a heart attack will occur is extremely difficult. however these events are more frequent after the age of 65 to 70 especially if they are left uncontrolled.

I think it's too early for you to give up in helping him. I trust that your continuous support and care can be of utmost help for him to change towards better health practices in the near future.

kind regards as I wish you the very best.

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (10 hours later)

So is it your opinion that the sleep apnea is not a concern? I was of the understanding that sleep apnea can raise blood pressure greatly, especially while the patient is sleeping and having the apneas.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No worries. too early to bother much

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

I understand this can be very disturbing. However, I would want to reassure you that sleep apnoea cannot lead to an increase in blood pressure to cause a stroke or a heart attack.

So for now, no worries.

Kind regards,

Dr Bain

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj