Sleep Apnea and How it Relates to Carrie Fisher’s Death
For fans all around the globe, Carrie Fisher’s death was tragic and unexpected. Starring in the new Star Wars movies, many believed she was still well and in her prime, but health problems led to her life being cut short. Her autopsy showed many health complications that contributed to her death, including sleep apnea. Though she suffered a heart attack on a flight, she had suffered from episodes of obstructive sleep apnea several times during her flight. Ultimately, this is what led to the heart attack that caused her premature death.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is actually considered to be a sleeping disorder. Those with this ailment have frequent pauses in their breathing while asleep, which causes snoring. Other symptoms of this troubling condition include:
- Frequent night awakenings
- Dry mouth and sore throat
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Morning headache
How Sleep Apnea Can be Deadly
This disease that was the cause of Carrie Fisher’s death has many people wondering if and how sleep apnea can lead to someone’s death. The truth is that it can do so both directly and indirectly. With the complications long-term symptoms cause, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and arrhythmias, sufferers of sleep apnea are more likely to have a premature death.
The more sinister problem lurking in the background of this disease is its direct link to death, specifically cardiac events. In obstructive sleep apnea, the type present in Carrie Fisher’s case, the person’s airway literally collapses, and these episodes can last for several minutes. Lack of air, choking, and ongoing untreated issues can lead to heart attack and other cardiac symptoms.
A Tragedy That Does Not Have to Be
There are thousands of cases of sleep apnea that go undiagnosed, and therefore untreated, all around the country. These are the people most at risk of premature death due to this disease. If you are having trouble getting restful sleep or are known to snore, the best thing you can do for your health and safety is to go to your physician to be tested in a sleep study for sleep apnea. There are treatments available that can greatly reduce the risk of complications and death.
Contact Us Today
If you are having trouble sleeping and think you might suffer from sleep apnea, contact O2 Pulmonary & Sleep Group for an appointment at 214-919-0757.