In recognition of Sleep Awareness Month, we invite you to watch a special webinar on sleep disorders, presented by Dr. Marc Sherkin!

Recorded: Thursday, March 28th, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Topic: Sleep Disorders with Dr. Marc Sherkin
Learn about:

• Affects of Seasonal Time Changes on Sleep
• COVID-19 Impact on Sleep
• Sleep and Aging
• Sleep and Heart Health
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Dr. Sherkin is a Royal College Fellow in Internal Medicine and Respirology, and a specialist in Sleep Medicine. He is the founder of the Humber River Hospital Sleep Disorders Lab and Medical Director of the Hospital Alliance Group and the Sleep Clinics at Ross Memorial Hospital and Stevenson Memorial Hospital.

WATCH RECORDED WEBINAR

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WELL Health Diagnostic Centres are the only independent health facilities in Ontario that are Accredited with Exemplary Standing. In addition to cardiology and diagnostic imaging, we provide OHIP-covered sleep consultations and sleep studies in Brampton – with shorter wait times, faster report turnaround, and the highest standard of patient care.

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You’re probably familiar with the loud snoring that frequently accompanies sleep apnea if you’ve ever shared a bedroom with someone who has the condition. But not every instance of sleep apnea has this auditory symptom. A less common variation of this disorder is called “Silent Sleep Apnea” or “Sleep Apnea without Snoring”. It can be just as dangerous and occasionally harder to diagnose.

Introduction to Sleep Apnea without Snoring

Frequent breathing pauses characterize a common sleep disorder called sleep apnea while you’re asleep. Usually, one of the main symptoms of sleep apnea that comes to mind is loud snoring. But there’s a crucial difference to be noted between the silent kind of sleep apnea that we’ll discuss here and the more well-known kind that’s linked to snoring.

Understanding Sleep Apnea: Snoring vs. Silent Cases

According to Everyday Health, understanding the distinctions between the two forms of silent sleep apnea is critical before delving more into the disease.

Sleep Apnea with Snoring: One of the main symptoms of this type of sleep apnea is loud snoring. It happens when there is partial airway blockage, which produces a distinctive snoring sound. Because their bed companions or family members commonly notice their snoring, people with this type of sleep apnea frequently obtain an early diagnosis and attention.

Contrarily, as the name implies, silent sleep apnea does not present with the usual loud snoring that causes anxiety. Instead, those with this variation have breathing pauses while sleeping but don’t snore, says Helpguide.org. This makes it more challenging to diagnose and frequently causes a delay in diagnosis because people may mistakenly assume they don’t have a sleep issue if they don’t snore.

Silent Threat: Identifying Sleep Apnea without Snoring

The lack of snoring does not lessen the potential risk to your health from Silent Sleep Apnea. To identify this variation, one must also be aware of additional minor symptoms and signs, according to Sleepfoundation.org:

• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: People with Silent Sleep Apnea frequently complain of daytime exhaustion and drowsiness, even after a full night’s sleep. This may affect routine tasks and output.
• Stops Breathing While Asleep: A bed partner or family member may occasionally notice the affected person’s breathing ceasing while asleep. This is a vital indicator that silent sleep apnea is present.
• Sudden Awakenings Associated with Shortness of Breath: People with silent sleep apnea may wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air or feeling out of breath.
• Morning Headaches: Silent sleep apnea can disrupt sleep, leading to frequent headaches.
• Difficulty Concentrating During the Day: Sleep disturbances can have a cognitive impact that includes memory loss, impatience, difficulty concentrating, and even mood swings like depression. Stress or overwork are frequently to blame for misdiagnosing these daytime symptoms.

Diagnostic Challenges and Approaches

Due to its distinct features, diagnosing silent sleep apnea can be difficult. Conventional techniques for diagnosing sleep apnea, like nightly polysomnography (PSG), might not always be able to distinguish this variation. Although they are more accessible, home sleep apnea tests (HSATs) have the potential to overlook certain cases.

Recognizing the previously described symptoms—daytime tiredness, observed breathing pauses, morning headaches, and trouble concentrating—is typically necessary to diagnose silent sleep apnea. To decide whether more testing is required, medical professionals may employ instruments such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a questionnaire that rates the intensity of symptoms.

Health Implications and Management

The health consequences of silent sleep apnea are similar to those of its snoring-related counterpart. If ignored, it may result in:

• Cardiovascular Problems: Because sleep apnea causes frequent reductions in blood oxygen levels during sleep, the cardiovascular system may be strained, regardless of whether snoring is a part of the condition. This strain can result in heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of stroke.
• Daytime Fatigue: Silent sleep apnea sleep disturbance leaves people unable to get a good night’s sleep, which leaves them extremely tired and irritable during the day.
• Complications with Medications and Surgery: Sleep apnea can make conventional medical procedures more difficult, as well as sedatives or general anaesthesia, as these medications can potentially relax the airway and worsen the disease. This is true whether or not snoring is present.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Changes

The management of Silent Sleep Apnea is comparable to that of its snoring-related counterpart. The following are some essential preventive actions and beneficial lifestyle modifications:

• Weight Control: Keeping a healthy weight is important because being overweight raises the chance of developing sleep apnea. Significant reductions in weight, even modest ones, can be made in sleep difficulties.
• Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: Steer clear of alcohol and sedatives before bedtime since these might relax the muscles in the throat and exacerbate sleep apnea. 
• Adjusting Your Sleep Position: Your sleeping position can impact sleep apnea symptoms. Side sleeping is usually advised to avoid the tongue and soft tissues obstructing the airway.
• Give Up Smoking: Smoking might aggravate upper airway irritation and fluid retention. Reducing tobacco use may help with silent sleep apnea symptoms.
• Avoiding Large Meals Right Before Bed: Eating large meals right before bed might make you uncomfortable and worsen your sleep apnea symptoms.
• Clearing Nasal Passages: Take care of any blockages or congestion in the nose. The use of saline sprays or nasal decongestants can improve airflow.

Following these adjustments can help the symptoms of silent sleep apnea considerably and occasionally wholly. However, you must speak with medical professionals to receive individualized guidance and treatment alternatives tailored to your unique situation.

Seeking Professional Assistance and Treatment Options

You must seek expert care if you believe that you or a loved one is suffering from Silent Sleep Apnea. Start by speaking with your healthcare physician, who can offer you some initial advice and possibly make a referral to a sleep specialist.

The expertise of sleep experts is assessing, diagnosing, and treating sleep problems, such as silent sleep apnea. A physical examination, a medical history and symptoms review, and sleep testing like polysomnography or at-home sleep tests are all commonly used in the diagnosis process.

Sources: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ; www.mayoclinic.org ; www.sleepfoundation.org

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WELL Health Diagnostic Centres’ 40+ Ontario locations provide OHIP-covered cardiology, radiology, women’s health, telehealth, and sleep diagnostic services – with shorter wait times, faster report turn-around, and the highest standard of patient care.

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Sleep apnea affects millions of people globally. This disorder is characterized by frequent breathing pauses or shallow breathing spells while you sleep, which can reduce the quality of your sleep and raise your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Understanding the many types of sleep apnea and the possible therapies to manage the condition properly is critical.

Types of Sleep Apnea

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most prevalent kind of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. It happens when the throat’s muscles relax too much as you sleep, physically obstructing your airway. Breathing becomes erratic as a result of the occlusion. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) equipment, weight control, positional therapy, and, if necessary, surgery are all possible forms of treatment for open airway disease (OSA).

The brain’s incapacity to properly communicate with the breathing muscles is known as central sleep apnea or CSA. A malfunction in the brain’s respiratory control centre causes CSA, as opposed to OSA, in which the airway is physically closed. Depending on the severity of the illness, treatment for CSA may involve treating underlying medical issues, employing Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) equipment, or giving oxygen therapy and medicines, says the National Institutes of Health.

Understanding Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Unlike OSA, central sleep apnea (CSA) results from an abnormality in the brain’s capacity to send the proper signals for breathing during sleep. In contrast to OSA, which is caused by a physical airway obstruction, CSA is caused by issues with the brain’s respiratory control centre. Undergoing polysomnography, a sleep study that tracks numerous parameters while you sleep, is necessary to diagnose CSA. Medication, oxygen therapy, CPAP, adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), weight control, and positioning therapy are a few lifestyle modifications that can be used to treat community-associated pneumonia (CSA).

Insights into Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSAS)

Treatment-Emergent Central Sleep Apnea, or Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome, combines OSA and CSA symptoms. It may manifest during OSA treatment, complicating diagnosis and care. Polysomnography is frequently required to diagnose CompSAS and identify mixed apnea episode patterns. CPAP therapy may be the first course of treatment, with modifications made in response to the patient’s response. CompSAS presents particular difficulties, and successful treatment requires individualized attention.

Diagnosis and Treatment Across Types of Sleep Apnea

A comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of medical history, a physical examination, and a sleep study—often done using polysomnography—is necessary to diagnose sleep apnea. After a diagnosis, the kind of sleep apnea is determined, which helps choose the best course of action.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Changes

Even if there are sleep apnea treatment options, implementing preventive measures and lifestyle modifications can significantly enhance overall well-being and reduce symptoms. Harvard Health says these measures can include:

• The severity of sleep apnea can be lessened by following a weight-loss program and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Regularly exercising for at least half an hour improves general health and helps reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
• Maintaining a healthy diet can benefit sleep apnea therapy in addition to helping with weight management.
• It’s best to avoid alcohol and sedatives, as they relax the muscles in the throat and exacerbate sleep apnea.
• The frequency of sleep apnea episodes can be decreased by sleeping on your side rather than your back.
• Giving up smoking is crucial for lowering fluid retention and inflammation, two conditions that exacerbate the symptoms of sleep apnea.

To properly manage this prevalent sleep problem, it is imperative to understand the many types of sleep apnea, their diagnosis, and available treatment choices. For those experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, early identification and professional help are crucial, even though lifestyle modifications and preventive measures are essential in mitigating symptoms. To achieve the best possible treatment outcomes and an enhanced quality of life, medical intervention is frequently necessary for primary sleep apnea, mixed sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoventilation, and sleep-related hypoxemia.

Sources: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ; www.mayoclinic.org ; www.sleepfoundation.org 

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WELL Health Diagnostic Centres’ 40+ Ontario locations provide OHIP-covered cardiology, radiology, women’s health, telehealth, and sleep diagnostic services – with shorter wait times, faster report turn-around, and the highest standard of patient care.

FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU

 

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by frequent disruptions in breathing during the night. If left untreated, it can result in several health issues. The severity of the illness varies, but it frequently leads to poor sleep and decreased oxygen flow to the body, which can have serious short- and long-term health effects. Because many people with sleep apnea are unaware of their breathing difficulties while they sleep, the condition frequently goes misdiagnosed.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the two leading causes of sleep apnea are either a physical blockage of the airway (obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA) or a malfunction in the brain’s communication with the breathing muscles (central sleep apnea, or CSA). Soft tissue collapse in the throat causes obstruction of airflow during sleep, whereas CSA is characterized by a lack of effort to breathe. Significant reductions in blood oxygen levels and fragmented sleep result from these disruptions.

To manage sleep apnea, awareness, and an accurate diagnosis are essential. Despite being common, many cases go undetected because people are unaware of the signs and consequences. Loud snoring, gasping for air as you sleep, headaches in the morning, and excessive daytime sleepiness are common signs. Studies have shown that sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes; therefore, it is imperative to address the condition and find an effective treatment.

Infant Sleep Apnea: Identifying Concerns

Brief breathing pauses characterize a pediatric sleep disease called infant sleep apnea while the patient is asleep. Unlike adult or geriatric sleep apnea, infant sleep apnea is frequently diagnosed based on central, obstructive, or mixed apnea episodes, says the National Institutes of Health. While obstructive apnea includes a physical restriction of airflow despite respiratory effort, central apnea arises when the brain fails to provide the proper signals to the muscles controlling breathing.

Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep is less common in babies than in adults, but it is a sign that needs to be recognized to diagnose sleep apnea in newborns. Other symptoms include atypical sleeping positions, gagging or choking, frequent breathing disruptions, and difficulty breathing. Prematurity, low birth weight, or a history of respiratory issues are examples of risk factors. If these issues are identified, pediatric healthcare practitioners may suggest a polysomnography sleep study to check for sleep apnea syndrome.

Sleep apnea can affect an infant’s growth, development, and general health, so early detection and treatment are essential. In contrast to adult sleep apnea, treatment for childhood sleep apnea may involve utilizing a breathing machine at night or modifying environmental conditions. Understanding the many age groups affected by sleep apnea guarantees all-encompassing treatment and enhances the welfare of those impacted.

Pediatric Sleep Apnea: Signs and Diagnosis

Pediatric sleep apnea, which can result in various health issues different from those typical of adults or older adults, is characterized by breathing pauses during sleep. Diagnosing pediatric sleep apnea accurately and paying close attention to its distinct symptoms is essential. According to Kidshealth.org, signs of pediatric sleep apnea include the following:

• Snoring loudly and often
• Stopping breathing while sleeping
• gasping or choking during the night
• agitation when sleeping or bedwetting
• Sleepiness during the day or behavioral problems
• unusual sleeping postures, such as a stretched-out neck

Pediatric Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination are usually the first steps in the diagnosis process for youngsters. A sleep study, also referred to as an overnight polysomnography, is the usual diagnostic procedure if sleep apnea is suspected. During polysomnography, numerous bodily processes are tracked, such as heart rate, respiration rate, brain activity, sleep stages, and limb movements.

Diagnosing children’s sleep apnea may require evaluations by a multidisciplinary team of sleep medicine specialists, pediatric pulmonologists, and otolaryngologists.

While teens may develop sleep apnea, it’s vital to remember that the illness poses unique difficulties for both diagnosis and treatment. Children’s long-term health and well-being depend heavily on early diagnosis and treatment.

Sources: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ; www.mayoclinic.org ; www.sleepfoundation.org

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WELL Health Diagnostic Centres’ 40+ Ontario locations provide OHIP-covered cardiology, radiology, women’s health, telehealth, and sleep diagnostic services – with shorter wait times, faster report turn-around, and the highest standard of patient care.

FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU

We’re pleased to announce that Great Place to Work® has selected WELL Health Diagnostic Centres for their 2024 list of Best Workplaces Managed by Women, which showcases the remarkable progress women are making in ascending to top leadership roles within Canadian businesses.

To be eligible, organizations must be Great Place to Work-Certified™ in the past year and have a female President or CEO. They determined the BEST based on the average Trust Index score of eligible organizations.

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It’s critical to recognize the difference between a heart attack and heart failure while dealing with cardiac issues. Although they have different causes, symptoms, and immediate reactions, both illnesses have the potential to be fatal. This blog post will cover everything from the distinctions between a heart attack and heart failure to identifying the signs, what to do in an emergency, how to get medical help, treatment options, preventive measures, and long-term strategies for keeping your heart healthy.

Recognizing Symptoms: Heart Failure vs. Heart Attack

Heart Failure: Also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), heart failure is a chronic illness in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, according to Healthline. The most typical signs of heart failure include exhaustion, edema in the ankles and legs, chronic coughing, especially at night, and shortness of breath. Certain patients also experience palpitations or flutters in the heart.

Heart Attack: Contrarily, a heart attack happens when there is an abrupt stoppage of blood supply to a section of the heart muscle, typically due to a blood clot. Chest pain or discomfort, pain spreading to the jaw, arm, or back, nausea, cold chills, and shortness of breath are some signs and symptoms of a heart attack. It’s crucial to remember that not everyone who has a heart attack feels chest pain.

Immediate Response: What to Do in a Heart Failure or Heart Attack

Heart Failure: Make sure the person is seated comfortably, and dial 911 right away if you think they may be suffering from heart failure. While waiting for medical assistance, reassuring the patient and offering emotional support is critical. Doctor-prescribed medication can help control the symptoms of heart failure.

Heart Attack: Call 911 right away if you think you may be having a heart attack, says the Mayo Clinic. Urge the person to eat one aspirin daily to help thin the blood and enhance blood flow. Avoid any demanding activities and maintain the person’s composure. During a heart attack, prompt medical attention, such as angioplasty or clot-busting drugs, is essential to reducing the amount of damage to the heart muscle.

Seeking Medical Assistance: Actionable Steps

Getting medical help as soon as possible is crucial, whether you’re having a heart attack or heart failure. Healthcare professionals will perform cardiology tests, such as electrocardiography, echocardiography, or coronary angiography to identify the precise ailment and ascertain the best line of treatment.

Treatment and Management Approaches

Heart Failure: Heart failure treatment aims to improve the heart’s ability to pump blood, ease symptoms, and improve the patient’s quality of life. ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics are among the often given medications. In addition, lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a heart-healthy diet, and regular exercise are crucial for managing heart failure.

Heart Attack: Prompt measures are essential to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. After that, doctors may recommend drugs, such as beta-blockers, statins, and aspirin to stop similar occurrences in the future. Long-term care must include lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a diet low in cholesterol.

Preventive Measures: Avoiding Heart Failure and Heart Attack

People should lead heart-healthy lifestyles to lower their risk of heart attacks and heart failure. This entails avoiding tobacco usage, controlling stress, eating a balanced diet, and getting frequent exercise. A healthcare provider’s routine examinations can assist in identifying and managing risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

Risk Factors and Precautions

High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and a family history of heart disease are frequently to blame for heart failure and heart attacks, according to the CDC. Those with these risk factors should exercise extra caution when managing their health and taking preventative steps.

Long-Term Heart Health Strategies

Heart health is ultimately a lifetime endeavour. Even after a heart attack or heart failure diagnosis, it’s critical to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. Regular medical monitoring, taking prescription drugs as directed, and having a solid support network can help you achieve a longer and healthier life.

Distinguishing between a heart attack and heart failure is essential for identifying symptoms and acting appropriately. Both problems need to be treated medically immediately, and the results can be significantly improved with early intervention. People can lower their risk and improve their heart health for years by implementing preventative measures and adhering to a healthy lifestyle.

Sources: www.heart.org ; www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; www.cdc.gov; www.health.harvard.edu

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WELL Health Diagnostic Centres’ 40+ Ontario locations provide OHIP-covered cardiology, radiology, women’s health, telehealth, and sleep diagnostic services – with shorter wait times, faster report turn-around, and the highest standard of patient care.

FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU

 

For the 6th consecutive year, WELL Health Diagnostic Centres (previously MyHealth Centres) have won the Consumer Choice Award for best Diagnostic Imaging Clinics in the Greater Toronto Area! According to Consumer Choice Awards, the winners are the result of an in-depth consumer evaluation process that involves gathering unbiased consumer opinions, calculated and vetted by some of North America’s leading market research firms. Consumer Choice Award’s dynamic selection process produces the most sophisticated consumer driven results available today. A method that ensures that only the most outstanding companies across Canada are the winners of this prestigious award.

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We’re pleased to announce Dina Sergi, Chief Executive Officer of MyHealth Centre, is featured in Industry Era’s Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders of 2023!

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Today, we celebrate an extraordinary achievement that sets us apart as a benchmark in excellence in diagnostic healthcare. MyHealth Centre’s commitment to providing the highest quality of patient care, safety, and continuous improvement has been recognized by Accreditation Canada with Exemplary Standing, and we couldn’t be prouder of our amazing team!

In our current healthcare landscape, where average wait times for medically necessary procedures in Canada are at a record-high, we continue to strive for excellence in everything we do. MyHealth Centres 40+ locations are now the ONLY independent diagnostic health facilities in Ontario that are Accredited with Exemplary Standing. This prestigious recognition not only underscores our commitment to excellence but also showcases our commitment to patients, referring healthcare providers, and the communities we serve.

This accreditation recognizes our dedication to several critical areas that directly impact the patient experience:

• Shorter wait times for patients.
• Faster report turnaround for referring healthcare providers.
• The highest standard of infection prevention, cleanliness, safety, and comfort in our facilities.

This Exemplary status recognizes our adherence to excellence, patient-centered care, and outstanding service; all of this is evident in the trust that the medical community places in our facilities. It’s no wonder that more than 20,000 Ontario healthcare providers refer their patients to MyHealth Centre.

About Accreditation Canada

Accreditation Canada is an independent, Canadian, not-for-profit organization. For more than 55 years, they have set national standards and shared leading practices from around the globe so organizations like MyHealth Centre can continue to raise the bar for quality healthcare.

As the leader in Canadian healthcare accreditation, they accredit more than 1,100 healthcare and social services organizations in Canada and around the world. Accreditation Canada is accredited by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua), a tangible demonstration that their program meets international standards. For more information, please visit www.accreditation.ca