Question
Which medical diagnosis is related to sleep apnea?
Pulmonary edema
Increased hematocrit
Increased white blood cell count
Hemoglobin concentration of
Pulmonary edema
Increased hematocrit
Increased white blood cell count
Hemoglobin concentration of
Ask by Gibson Simpson. in the United States
Jan 21,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
Increased Hematocrit is related to sleep apnea.
Solution
Increased Hematocrit is the medical diagnosis most directly related to sleep apnea.
Explanation:
Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the airway during sleep. This leads to intermittent hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and fragmented sleep. Chronic intermittent hypoxia stimulates the kidneys to produce more erythropoietin, a hormone that promotes the production of red blood cells. As a result, hematocrit levels (the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells) increase. Elevated hematocrit can lead to thicker blood, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Other Options:
-
Pulmonary Edema: While sleep apnea can contribute to cardiovascular strain, pulmonary edema is not a direct diagnostic outcome of sleep apnea.
-
Increased White Blood Cell Count: This is generally associated with infections or inflammatory conditions, not directly with sleep apnea.
-
Hemoglobin Concentration of 20 g/dL or More: This is indicative of polycythemia, which can be a consequence of chronic hypoxia but is a more specific and severe manifestation related to increased hematocrit.
Key Takeaway:
Increased hematocrit is a common physiological response to the chronic intermittent hypoxia seen in sleep apnea and serves as a relevant diagnostic indicator.
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
Like
error msg
Explain 
Simplify this solution Mind Expander
Sleep apnea is often associated with increased hematocrit levels. This condition can lead to chronic intermittent hypoxia, prompting the body to produce more red blood cells to compensate for reduced oxygen levels. Over time, this results in a higher-than-normal hematocrit, indicating a change in the body’s response to chronic low oxygen.
Additionally, sleep apnea can contribute to a range of cardiovascular issues, which might manifest as pulmonary edema in severe cases. The strain on the heart from consistently low oxygen levels can lead to heart failure, ultimately causing fluid buildup in the lungs. So, not only does sleep apnea impact sleep quality, but it can also have serious repercussions on overall health!
