Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts due to a blockage of the airway. This can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and more serious health issues, including high blood pressure and heart disease. OSA is often associated with obesity, but it can affect people of all sizes.

Treatment options for OSA include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, weight loss, and, in some cases, surgery. Treating OSA can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Common Questions about Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is Systole Health?

Systole Health is a group-based virtual care service that helps women improve their heart and metabolic health. We offer medical care and coaching, making it easier for you to manage conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and heart disease.

How does group virtual care work?

Group virtual care involves up to 8 patients meeting virtually with a physician and certified health coach. These sessions focus on education, peer support, and personalized care to help you manage your health. You'll benefit from expert guidance and shared experiences with others going through similar challenges. Between sessions, you will have access to your care team and group through a secure app and platform that allows for group messaging, goal setting, and health data monitoring.

What conditions does Systole Health treat?

We specialize in managing cardiometabolic conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, we help patients optimize their heart health after experiencing events like a heart attack or heart failure.

What is cardiometabolic health?

Cardiometabolic health refers to the interconnection between heart health, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and excess weight. These factors are all linked, and managing them together is key to preventing heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health issues.

How long does the program last?

Our core program lasts 6 weeks, with an option for bimonthly maintenance afterward to continue supporting your long-term health goals.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts due to the throat muscles intermittently relaxing and blocking the airway.

What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?

It is diagnosed through sleep studies, where a person’s breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and brain activity are monitored overnight.

What are the treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea?

Treatments include lifestyle changes, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, oral appliances, and, in severe cases, surgery.

How does obstructive sleep apnea affect heart health?

Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).