Risks and consequences of sleep apnea on health

Left untreated, sleep apnea can cause various complications, particularly cardiovascular1 and metabolic2 in the long term.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and your heart

The combination of disturbed sleep and oxygen starvation can eventually lead to a deterioration of your sleep quality and the development or worsening of cardiovascular disorders, such as1, 2, 4

  • Hypertension
    (high blood pressure)

  • Arrhythmia
    (heart rhythm disorder)

  • Cerebrovascular accident
    (CVA, or stroke)

  • Myocardial infarction
    (heart attack)5

  • Heart attack
    (where the heart no longer pumps enough blood to meet the body’s needs6)

Obesity, diabetes and sleep apnea: a close link

Medical research has confirmed the link between sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. Approximately 15-30% of apnoeic people also have type 2 diabetes2.

Sleep fragmentation also has a negative impact on eating habits, as it increases feelings of hunger and reduces fullness2. This therefore also promotes obesity, which is itself a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and an aggravating factor of obstructive sleep apnea syndrom2.


 
Consequently, obesity, high blood pressure and sleep apnea are very closely linked. Each of these diseases promotes the others and thereby increases the risk of complications. It is very important to treat each of them and to have regular check-ups with your doctor.

15-30% of apnoeic people

also have type 2 diabetes2

35% & 32% patients

Affected by depression and anxiety

References

1Somers VK et al. Circulation. 2008 Sep 2;118(10):1080-111

2Reutrakul S et al. Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Diabetes: A State of the Art Review. Chest. 2017 Nov;152(5):1070-1086

3Garbarino S et al. Association of Anxiety and Depression in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Behav Sleep Med. 2020 Jan-Feb;18(1):35-57

4Bonsignore MR et al. Obstructive sleep apnea and comorbidities: a dangerous liaison. Multidiscip Respir Med. 2019 Feb 14;14:8

5American Heart Association. Heart and stroke encyclopedia. Coronary thrombosis

6American Heart Association. Heart and stroke encyclopedia. Heart failure

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