Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Health risks of untreated sleep apnea and how treatment lowers them.
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
Metabolic effects
Accidents and daytime function
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
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.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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