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Last week researchers at Columbia University released information from a study in which they found a link between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease.  Dr. Martin Abelar D.D.S sees this as one more reason that it is important for OSA patients to seek treatment to maintain their cardiovascular health.

Researchers comparing blood samples from patients who had OSA and patients who did not identified cellular differences in a protein that protects the cells linking blood vessels from autoimmune attacks.  In patients with OSA, the protein that is normally on the outside of the cells protecting it from being attacked by the body’s own immune system was instead absorbed inside the cells leaving them vulnerable to these attacks.  This is the beginning of cardiovascular disease.

Many patients find that the standard of medical care, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy hard to tolerate and discontinue treatment, thinking that surgery is their only other option.  However, Dr. Abelar can help with a dental option to position your teeth and jaw to prevent airway obstruction from happening.  It’s called Oral Appliance Therapy or OAT.  To learn more about Oral Appliance Therapy or schedule a consultation, contact our office at (858) 866-9692.