When Snoring is More Than An Annoyance: The Hidden Dangers of Sleep Apnea
By: Monée Williams
Most of us think of snoring as nothing more than an inconvenience; but what if it’s actually a warning sign of something much more serious? In this episode One Minute with Monée, host Monée Williams sits with Dr. Andre Churchwell, a top cardiologist from Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, to discuss one of the most underdiagnosed and misunderstood threats to the heart: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
This life-altering condition, where a person’s airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causes more than just fatigue. It can trigger a domino effect of health issues including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, and obesity. And in many cases, it goes undiagnosed for years.
Dr. Churchwell speaks about a man who weighed about 500 pounds, that came to the hospital in full-blown congestive heart failure. His oxygen levels would plummet dangerously low as he slept, forcing his body to jolt awake with adrenaline. At that time, CPAP machines weren’t widely available, so doctors had to perform an emergency surgery in order to save his life.
Afterwards, the man completely changed his life, losing over 300 pounds, discontinuing medications, and ultimately reveres his heart failure. This case illustrates how the identification of sleep apnea can transform every aspect of health, including cardiac risk.
Dr. Churchwell also explores the exciting future of cardiology, where technology and human connection join forces. Heart surgery no longer means a long hospital stay and a chest full of scars. Dr. Churchwell introduces new procedures that will eliminate the need for open-heart surgery. This means that patients who may have been considered too high-risk for surgery can live longer and safer lives.
He also highlights genetic testing, which acknowledges the fact bodies can react differently to the same medication. This approach can help prevent dangerous side effects and improve outcomes dramatically. With innovations in the medical world, heart disease can be tackled before it poses a threat.
Dr. Churchwell reminds listeners that the foundation of good care doesn’t come from high-tech, but the relationship between doctor and patient. It’s about building trust, taking a great history, and knowing when to listen.Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death globally. And while breakthroughs in technology and medicine are game-changers, early detection, personal awareness, and access to the right care are what truly save lives.
Listen to Episode 16: From History to Healing The Heartbeat of Inclusion with Dr. Andre Churchwell today to learn how heart health is evolving, what questions to ask your doctor, most importantly, how to keep an eye out for potential danger. You don’t want to miss this informative conversation; keep yourself and your loved ones healthy!
Be sure to subscribe to the One Minute with Monée podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or YouTube today, for more insightful information about health and wellness.
Monée Williams is the insightful host of the "One Minute with Monee" podcast and the dynamic owner of Time Managed LLC. Her passion lies in empowering busy adults to achieve balance and harmony in their lives. Tune into her podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube for weekly doses of wisdom. For those seeking to streamline their lives with expert concierge and personal assistant services, reach out to Time Managed, LLC at hello@timemanagedllc.com or schedule a personalized consultation at https://calendly.com/timemanaged/30-minute-consultation.
