Complications and risks of sleep apnea

Untreated sleep apnea is more than snoring. Repeated drops in oxygen and broken sleep strain the heart, brain and metabolism. The risks rise with severity, but they can be reduced a great deal with treatment.

Heart and blood vessels

• High blood pressure, often hard to control with tablets.
• Heart attack, heart failure and irregular heart rhythm, especially atrial fibrillation.
• Stroke.
• Pulmonary hypertension (high pressure in the lung arteries).

Metabolic effects

• Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
• Weight gain and fatty liver.

Accidents and daytime function

• Drowsy driving and workplace accidents. People with untreated sleep apnea have a much higher risk of road crashes.
• Poor memory, attention and work performance.
• Headaches, irritability and mood problems, including depression and anxiety.

Surgery and medication risks Sleep apnea increases the risk of complications with anaesthesia and sedating medicines. Tell your surgeon and anaesthetist if you have it or suspect it.

Other effects

• Sexual dysfunction and low sex drive.
• Eye problems such as glaucoma in some people.
• Sleep deprivation for bed partners.
• In children, poor growth, behaviour and learning problems, and heart strain.

Pregnancy Sleep apnea can raise the risk of high blood pressure and gestational diabetes.

Sudden risk Severe untreated apnea can contribute to sudden night-time cardiac events.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Texts note that obesity and Kapha obstruction, if untreated, can lead to wider disease. This is a conceptual parallel and does not replace medical care.

When to get urgent help Chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or signs of stroke need emergency care (112). Never drive when drowsy.

Remember Treating sleep apnea lowers these risks. Do not ignore loud snoring with daytime sleepiness.