What Causes Sleep Apnea Along With Tightness In Chest?

Posted on Tue, 30 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 Answered on

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi good morning,

I am suffering from sleep apnea which wakes me up at night, tight feeling in chest,have no libido since the carotid artectomy.
I also get hot and cold flushes

Also at night i am woken up with increased heart rate as well as tinnitus. i found recently that my blood pressure has dropped during these episodes

I am 61 year old female with an aneurysm behind left eye and was born without a branch of artery missing on left hand side

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
First see a gyenecologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.

Since when are you having sleep apnea?
Presence of hot and cold flashes, tachycardia and loss of libido is indicative of post menopausal syndrome. In my view it will be highly appropriate to see and gynecologist for treatment of post menopausal syndrome before seeking consultation with neurologist.

I also request you to attach your latest hormonal profile report if you have one.

'Hope this clarifies the situation. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help".
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (4 hours later)

I will however, request my gp for a hormonal profile but that will be a while before I can respond may be a week?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I am answering in capacity of GP

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

I understand your concern and my first advice is to refer you to a gynecologist because of post menopausal syndrome which is troubling you most.

Regarding sleep apnea it is vital to get polysomnography as soon as possible so the problem can be quantified and appropriate therapy can be suggested.

I hope this answers your question. If you do not have more question youcan close the query and rate the answer.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (40 hours later)

Hi there, thank you for your further slightly detailed answer: the reason I have resorted to an on line consultation is due to the fact that doctors seem to label my problem foremost with ' psychological' without taking time to talk to me. Hence my reaction, I haope you would understand. Furthermore, clinics make me thoroughly nervous which is totally out of character.

I also wanted to ask what should I do in the following case:
I am currently on two platlet thinners: 75 mg dispirin ( taken with breakfast) and clopidogrel 75mg before going to bed. If I stop either, TIA hits. Dispirin however, results in internal bleeding resulting in black stool. Which tablet will be suitable for me to take instead ?

I am also taking laevothyroxine 75 mic g in morning and atorvastatin 10 mg before bed time.

All the above treatment started 6 years ago when I hit the menopause and within a few months had a TIA. Prior to that no health issues.
I am otherwise 'fit and active for my age group' weight 53 kg height 1.62 m

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I underastand

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

Both clopidogrel and aspirin are recommended for patients who have history of TIA so we can not choose one. In case you have to choose, dispirin have better evidence in prevention of cerebro vascular occlusions or TIAs.

In either case it will be better if you can start proton pump inhibitor to reduce the chance of gastric erosion leading to internal bleeding. Currently four molecules are available over the counter from this category of medication. They are generally safe and not involved in any serious side effects.

I hope this clarifies the situation. If oyu have any more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 days later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX

I will find out regarding the availability of proton inhibitor pump on Monday and take it from there.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back to Healthcaremagic.

I am glad to know that you find the information useful and working toward doing the needful to prevent the side effect of Dispirin.

"If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health".
Thanks and regards
Dr Ashok Kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T