Can sleep apnea kill you and what to do right now

Can Sleep Apnea Kill You—and What to Do Right Now

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common form of sleep apnea, occurs when your airway repeatedly collapses during sleep. These pauses (apneas) and shallow breaths (hypopneas) reduce oxygen levels, trigger surges in blood pressure, and fragment sleep. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications.

How Serious Is Sleep Apnea?
Research shows that moderate to severe OSA significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature death:

• Long-term cardiovascular outcomes (Marin et al., 2005)
– Men with untreated severe OSA had a two- to three-fold higher rate of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events over 10 years compared to men without OSA.

• Daytime sleepiness and mortality (Gottlieb et al., 2010)
– People with moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing who also reported excessive daytime sleepiness had a 3.8-times higher risk of death over 8 years than those without OSA.

• CPAP therapy and event reduction (Yu et al., 2016)
– Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment cut the risk of serious cardiovascular events by nearly half in patients with moderate to severe OSA.

Taken together, these studies confirm that severe, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to life-threatening heart attacks, strokes, and sudden death. The good news: effective diagnosis and treatment can dramatically reduce these risks.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Sleep apnea can be subtle. Common symptoms include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
• Mood changes, irritability, depression
• Frequent nighttime urination

If you or your partner notice any of these, it’s time to take action.

What to Do Right Now

1. Check Your Symptoms Online
   Consider doing a free, online symptom check for sleep apnea. This quick tool can help you understand your risk level and decide on next steps.

2. Speak to a Doctor
   Anytime you suspect a serious health issue, consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can review your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors (age, weight, family history, high blood pressure) to determine if you need further evaluation.

3. Improve Sleep Habits & Lifestyle
   While awaiting evaluation, you can begin simple changes that may ease mild symptoms:

   • Sleep on your side rather than your back.
   • Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime.
   • Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
   • Elevate the head of your bed by 4–6 inches.
   • Lose weight if you’re overweight; even a 10% reduction can help.

4. Get a Formal Evaluation
   Your doctor may refer you for a sleep study (polysomnography)—either in-lab or home-based. This test measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and more. It’s the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea and determining its severity.

5. Start Treatment
   If diagnosed with OSA, your options may include:
   • CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)
   – A mask delivers steady air pressure to keep your airway open. It’s the most effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA.
   • Oral appliances
   – Custom dental devices reposition your jaw and tongue to improve airway flow—often used for mild to moderate OSA.
   • Surgical options
   – Procedures to remove excess tissue, correct structural problems, or implant devices that stimulate airway muscles.
   • Lifestyle changes (continued)
   – Weight management, exercise, alcohol reduction, and positional therapy remain key support strategies.

Why Timely Treatment Matters
Untreated sleep apnea doesn’t just make you tired—it strains your heart and blood vessels nightly:

• Repeated oxygen dips trigger stress hormones, raising blood pressure.
• Surges in blood pressure damage vessel linings, accelerating atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
• Heart rhythm disturbances and strain can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac events.

By treating sleep apnea, you not only improve sleep quality and daytime alertness but also cut the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and early death. Yu et al. (2016) showed that consistent CPAP use slashed cardiovascular event rates by nearly 50% in those with moderate to severe OSA.

Maintaining Long-Term Health
After diagnosis and treatment initiation:

• Adhere to therapy
– Use your CPAP or oral appliance every night. Aim for at least 4 hours of use on 70% of nights or more.

• Monitor progress
– Track symptoms, daytime alertness, and any side effects. Most CPAP machines record usage data you can share with your doctor.

• Follow up regularly
– Sleep apnea therapy may need fine-tuning. Regular check-ins ensure your mask fits well, pressure settings are optimal, and any oral appliance continues to work effectively.

• Address co-existing conditions
– Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and weight. These factors compound cardiovascular risk when combined with sleep apnea.

When to Seek Urgent Care
Although most sleep apnea complications develop over time, certain scenarios warrant immediate medical attention:

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness
• Severe daytime sleepiness leading to near-miss motor vehicle incidents
• New or worsening heart palpitations or arrhythmias
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure despite medication

If any of these occur, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department—don’t wait.

Key Takeaways

• Sleep apnea can be life-threatening if left untreated, significantly raising risks of heart attack, stroke, and early death.
• Research (Marin et al., 2005; Gottlieb et al., 2010; Yu et al., 2016) confirms that effective treatment—especially CPAP—slashes cardiovascular event rates.
• Early recognition of snoring, gasping, and daytime sleepiness is vital.
• Start with a free, online symptom check for sleep apnea to gauge your risk.
• Speak to a doctor about a sleep study and appropriate therapy.
• Combine medical treatment with lifestyle changes for the best outcomes.

Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of restful nights and long-term health. If you suspect OSA, take action now: do an online symptom check, talk to your doctor, and pursue a formal evaluation. Timely diagnosis and treatment can save your life.