Evidence suggests obstructive sleep apnea is strongly associated with conditions such as:
About half of sleep-apnea patients have hypertension, and untreated obstructive sleep apnea raises the risk of heart-related illness and death. Obstructive sleep apnea is also associated with daytime sleepiness, which increases the risk for motor vehicle accidents and depression.
Some complications may be related to the release of stress hormones, which may be triggered by frequent decreases in blood oxygen levels and reduced sleep quality. Stress hormones can increase heart rate and also can lead to the development or worsening of heart failure.
- High blood pressure (hypertension) Stroke
- Heart attack
- Diabetes
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease Nocturnal angina
- Heart failure
- Hypothyroidism
- Abnormal heart rhythm