Related Health Issues
Obesity or Increasing Weight Gain: Increasing weight, particularly around the waist and neck, is the single biggest contributor to the development of sleep apnea for both males and females. A 10% increase in weight is associated with a six-fold increased risk of developing moderate OSA. Weight loss can substantially improve sleep apnea.
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure: A drop in oxygen during sleep can raise blood pressure, and this increase in blood pressure can be sustained during the awake hours that follow. People who get help for sleep apnea can often see their blood pressure improve. Some people may be able to cut back on their blood pressure medications, but you should never stop or change your dose without talking to your doctor first.
Type 2 Diabetes: 80% of people with Type 2 diabetes also have obstructive sleep apnea.
Being overweight raises the risk for both sleep apnea and Type 2 diabetes. Lack of sleep can keep your body from using insulin properly, which leads to diabetes.
Heart Disease: Sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart disease by 30% and your risk of stroke by 60%. Atrial fibrillation is also common in people with sleep apnea.
Untreated sleep apnea can reduce the effectiveness of treatments for atrial fibrillation. In fact, many cardiologist$ test their patients who have atrial fibrillation for sleep apnea and make sure sleep apnea is treated as part of the plan for their treatment.
Stroke: Severity of untreated sleep apnea can determine the development of stroke in people. OSA is widespread in stroke patients who are not receiving adequate CPAP therapy. Having an AHI≥30 plays an important role in the development of ischemic stroke, especially in older patients.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD is a term that describes chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These conditions make it difficult to breathe during sleep and when awake. An estimated 10% to 15% of people living with COPD may also have sleep apnea.
Cognitive Problems: Sleep apnea can cause both disturbed sleep and low oxygen levels during sleep—both of which may lead to problems with brain health and may increase risk for developing dementia.
