Why It Might Be More Than Just a Heart Concern
Chest pain is one of those symptoms that immediately grabs attention — and for good reason. While most people associate it with heart problems, chest pain can also be a red flag for a lesser-known but equally serious condition: sleep apnea.
Dr. Priya Mistry, The TMJ Doc and founder of TMJ Dental Doc in Vancouver, WA, helps patients uncover the root causes of symptoms that often go misdiagnosed or overlooked — and chest discomfort during or after sleep is one of them.
What’s the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Chest Pain?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing. These episodes can lead to dangerous drops in oxygen levels and force the heart to work harder to compensate. Over time, this can place enormous stress on the cardiovascular system — and sometimes that strain shows up as chest pain.
According to Dr. Mistry, this type of discomfort isn’t always easy to pin down. “Patients often come to us after seeing a cardiologist or undergoing testing for heart issues,” she says. “When those results come back normal, sleep apnea is rarely the next place anyone looks — but it should be.”
How Can You Tell if Sleep Apnea Is the Cause?
If you’re experiencing chest pain, especially at night or first thing in the morning, and any of the following apply to you, sleep apnea might be at the root:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches or fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Unexplained anxiety or irritability
- Restless, poor-quality sleep
In many cases, the connection between these symptoms isn’t immediately obvious. That’s why Dr. Mistry takes a whole-body approach, evaluating not just the jaw and airway but also reviewing sleep patterns and relevant medical history.
Why This Matters: Sleep Apnea and Heart Health
Sleep apnea doesn’t just cause short-term symptoms — it’s a long-term health risk. Numerous studies have shown that untreated sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Sudden cardiac death
Dr. Mistry emphasizes that early intervention is key. “We can’t ignore the impact that oxygen deprivation has on the body. Every apnea episode places stress on your heart, and over time, that stress adds up.”
A Better Path Forward: Customized Oral Appliance Therapy
For patients who can’t tolerate a CPAP or are looking for a more comfortable alternative, TMJ Dental Doc offers custom oral appliances that reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. These devices are:
- Small and travel-friendly
- Comfortable and non-invasive
- Silent — no masks or machines required
- Designed with TMJ health in mind
They’re an excellent solution for patients with both sleep apnea and TMJ dysfunction, a combination that Dr. Mistry is uniquely qualified to treat.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Chest pain should always be taken seriously. But if the heart checks out and symptoms persist, it’s time to dig deeper. Sleep apnea could be the hidden cause — and Dr. Priya Mistry can help uncover it.
Located in Vancouver, WA, just minutes from Portland, TMJ Dental Doc is here to help you breathe easier, sleep better, and protect your long-term health.
Call today to schedule your consultation — because your body is talking, and it’s time to listen.
