How we diagnose sleep apnea at NewYork-Presbyterian
How we diagnose sleep apnea at NewYork-PresbyterianWe make diagnosis as simple and accessible for our patients as possible.
- Medical review: We look at your blood pressure, heart rhythm, and heart history.
- Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT): Most people can be evaluated for sleep apnea by using a doctor’s prescribed small portable device at home to monitor oxygen, breathing patterns, and heart rate.
- In-Lab Polysomnography: For more complex cases, such as patients with advanced heart failure, we offer overnight testing at our sleep centers.
Treatments for sleep apnea — and how they help your heart
Treatments for sleep apneaTreating sleep apnea reduces nightly stress on your heart and improves oxygen levels. There are several options for treating apnea, which are recommended based on
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): A mask that gently keeps your airway open while you sleep. For most people, it’s the most effective treatment.
- Bilevel PAP (BiPAP): A gentler option often used in people with heart or respiratory failure. It provides two levels of pressure to help normalize breathing.
- Oral appliances: Custom dental devices that shift the jaw forward. It’s ideal for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
- Implantable therapy: For people who can’t tolerate masks, there are advanced technologies that stimulate the airway and tongue muscles to open intermittently during the night.
Sleep apnea treatment can lower blood pressure, improve heart function, and reduce strain on the heart.
When to call your doctor — and when to seek urgent care
When to call your doctorIf you or a partner notice you are stopping breathing at night, or if you have "resistant" high blood pressure, it is time to schedule a consultation.
Call your doctor if:
- You snore loudly and feel tired during the day
- A partner notices breathing pauses
- Your blood pressure is hard to control
Seek urgent care for:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath that doesn’t go away
- A racing or irregular heartbeat with dizziness
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech)
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Heart
Sleep apnea is treatable. Getting it under control can improve your sleep and protect your heart.
If you think you might have sleep apnea, talk with your doctor or schedule an evaluation at NewYork-Presbyterian
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.