Hi, I got results of my sleep test last week and was told I had severe sleep apnea only when laying on my back.  I also have something that seems to interrupt my alpha waves or something and they said I don't get a refreshing sleep because I never enter a deep enough sleep state (does this make sense?).  I have had a rapid heart rate for years, when resting it's 115 minimum, and my cardiologist had me do the sleep test to see if it was the cause of the rapid heart rate.
Couple questions:
Could it be the cause?
Am I most likely going to be using a CPAP machine?
Finally, I woke up a few months ago and couldn't catch my breath and had a sensation that I kept swallowing.  I went to the ER and they dismissed it as choking on reflux, since I didn't know if I had sleep apnea.  Could this have been a sleep apnea episode?

Thanks for your help

Rob

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Hi, I got results of my sleep test last week and was told I had severe sleep apnea only when laying on my back.

You will have to find out your overall diagnosis (severity over the full night). Most OSA sufferers have more events while lying on their backs, and during REM Sleep.
I suggest that you get a copy of the sleep study report........the full one, which runs to 5/7 pages.

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I also have something that seems to interrupt my alpha waves or something

You may have alpha wave intrusions.........again, copy of sleep study report required.

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and they said I don't get a refreshing sleep because I never enter a deep enough sleep state (does this make sense?)

.  

Yes, you are probably not achieving Delta Wave Sleep, or a limited amount (quite normal with untreated OSA sufferers).......yes...sleep study report required.

Quote:

I have had a rapid heart rate for years, when resting it's 115 minimum, and my cardiologist had me do the sleep test to see if it was the cause of the rapid heart rate.
Couple questions:
Could it be the cause?

It could be. Apnoea events do cause a raised heart beat (while sleeping).

Quote:

Am I most likely going to be using a CPAP machine?

Quite possibly, but you need the sleep study report and you also need your sleep doctor to go through it with you and discuss the findings.........NOT your cardiologist or GP.

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Finally, I woke up a few months ago and couldn't catch my breath and had a sensation that I kept swallowing.  I went to the ER and they dismissed it as choking on reflux, since I didn't know if I had sleep apnea.  Could this have been a sleep apnea episode?

Maybe......maybe not.


Rob,

Welcome to the forum.

I have tried to answer your questions in the order asked........a bit brief, but the information that you posted is scant (through no fault of yours).

First stop for you is a copy of the sleep study report and a consult with the doctor that signed off on it.
It is important that he goes through the report with you, item by item. Because of your cardiac condition, it is important that you fully understand where you are at.........not piecemeal information, drip fed to you  
The more you are aware of and understand your condition, the more likely you are to deal with it. A positive attitude is sooooo important.

Your cardiologist obviously has concerns and appears to be acting in a professional way..............rather than just trying to throw pills at symptoms.

Keep posting, with any concerns.....but try and get as much information as possible (you are entitled to a copy of the report).

Kind regards.

Daniel.


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The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Thanks very much Daniel!  I see my cardiologist on July 21 and will get a copy of the report then.  I am sure she will have me schedule an appt with the sleep doctor for follow up.

No, no. You request a copy of the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs from your SLEEP DOCTOR. Or the sleep lab. Your cardiologist is only going to get a copy of the sleep doctor's dictated results and most likely isn't going to have more than a rudimentary grasp, if that, of what is in the report. Its just not his area of expertise.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity mask, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I understand what you're saying.  I am going to schedule an appt with the sleep doctor tomorrow rather than waiting til the 21st when I see my cardio - I am sure I need to see the sleep doctor anyway.