Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, can be linked to elevated levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Hematocrit, on the other hand, measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops or becomes very shallow during sleep. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur many times throughout the night. The two primary types are Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), caused by airway blockage, and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), where the brain fails to signal breathing muscles. These disruptions reduce blood oxygen levels. Common signs include loud snoring, gasping for air, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches.
Understanding Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
Hemoglobin is a protein within red blood cells that binds with oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues throughout the body, ensuring adequate oxygen delivery to all organs and cells. Hematocrit represents the volume percentage of red blood cells within the total blood volume. Normal hemoglobin levels for adult males range from 14 to 18 grams per deciliter (g/dL), and hematocrit is between 40% and 54%. For adult females, normal hemoglobin is 12 to 16 g/dL, with hematocrit ranging from 36% to 48%. Values above these ranges are referred to as polycythemia or erythrocytosis.
The Physiological Link: How Sleep Apnea Elevates Blood Counts
The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels, known as hypoxia, caused by sleep apnea are interpreted by the body as a need for increased oxygen-carrying capacity. When oxygen levels in the blood are consistently low, the kidneys detect this deficiency.
In response to chronic hypoxia, the kidneys increase their production of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone crucial for red blood cell formation. EPO then travels to the bone marrow, stimulating it to produce more red blood cells. This increased production directly leads to elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. This can result in blood that is thicker and less able to flow easily.
Addressing the Conditions
Diagnosis of sleep apnea involves a sleep study, which monitors breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sleep. Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit are detected through routine blood tests. Treating the underlying sleep apnea is important for managing elevated blood counts.
Common treatments for sleep apnea include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which uses a machine to deliver a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and avoiding sleeping on the back, can also be effective. Oral appliances designed to keep the jaw forward or hold the tongue in place are another treatment option. Successful treatment of sleep apnea can normalize or improve elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels by resolving the chronic oxygen deficiency. If persistently high hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are left unaddressed, they can increase blood viscosity, raising the risk of serious complications such as blood clots, stroke, and heart problems.