RISKS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA
MORTALITY
The cumulative effect of the various health risks associated with untreated severe OSA, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke, can increase the risk of death by up to 3 times compared to those without OSA.
Reference: Terry Young 1, Laurel Finn, Paul E Peppard, Mariana Szklo-Coxe, Diane Austin, F Javier Nieto, Robin Stubbs, K Mae Hla. Sleep disordered breathing and mortality: eighteen-year follow-up of the Wisconsin sleep cohort. Sleep. 2008 Aug;31(8):1071-8.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Studies have shown a strong correlation between OSA and cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease. Long-term cardiovascular outcomes can be severely affected if OSA remains untreated.
Reference: Marin JM, Carrizo SJ, Vicente E, Agusti AG. “Long-term cardiovascular outcomes in men with obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea with or without treatment with continuous positive airway pressure: an observational study.” Lancet. 2005;365(9464):1046-1053.
STROKE
Research has shown that individuals with untreated OSA have a 2 to 4 times higher risk of experiencing a stroke compared to those without OSA. OSA is an independent risk factor for stroke, with research indicating a strong correlation between untreated OSA and increased risk of stroke.
Reference: Yaggi HK, Concato J, Kernan WN, Lichtman JH, Brass LM, Mohsenin V. “Obstructive sleep apnea as a risk factor for stroke and death.” N Engl J Med. 2005;353(19):2034-2041.
DIABETES
Approximately 15-30% of patients with diabetes also have OSA. Additionally, individuals with severe OSA may have up to a 3-fold increased risk of developing insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. The intermittent hypoxia experienced in OSA can lead to insulin resistance, contributing to type 2 diabetes.
Reference: Punjabi NM, Sorkin JD, Katzel LI, Goldberg AP, Schwartz AR, Smith PL. “Sleep-disordered breathing and insulin resistance in middle-aged and overweight men.” Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002;165(5):677-682.
METABOLIC SYNDROME
About 35-40% of people with OSA also have metabolic abnormalities like dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance, which are components of metabolic syndrome.
Reference: Sharma SK, Agrawal S, Damodaran D, et al. “CPAP for the metabolic syndrome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.” N Engl J Med. 2011;365(24):2277-2286.
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Studies suggest that up to 50% of OSA patients show some form of cognitive impairment. OSA can contribute to cognitive decline affecting memory, attention, and executive function, impacting daily life and productivity.
Studies suggest that up to 50% of OSA patients show some form of cognitive impairment. OSA can contribute to cognitive decline affecting memory, attention, and executive function, impacting daily life and productivity.
MOOD DISORDERS
Research has indicated that the prevalence of depressive symptoms in OSA patients can be as high as 45%. Moreover, the incidence of anxiety disorders in OSA patients has been reported to be significantly higher compared to the general population.
Reference: Peppard PE, Szklo-Coxe M, Hla KM, Young T. “Longitudinal association of sleep-related breathing disorder and depression.” Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(16):1709-1715.
DAYTIME FATIGUE AND ACCIDENTS
Studies have shown that individuals with untreated OSA have up to a 7-fold increased risk of being involved in multiple motor vehicle crashes compared to those without OSA. Additionally, the rate of workplace accidents is notably higher among OSA sufferers.
GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)
Studies indicate that approximately 60% of people with OSA also report symptoms of GERD, which is significantly higher than its prevalence in the general population. The relationship between OSA and GERD is thought to be due to the increased intra-abdominal pressure and negative intrathoracic pressure during apnoeic episodes, which can exacerbate GERD symptoms.
Reference: Locke, G. Richard III, et al. “The Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, vol. 39, no. 3, 2005, pp. 225–237.
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Research indicates that up to 70% of men with OSA experience some form of erectile dysfunction, compared to around 22% in the general population. Furthermore, women with OSA have reported reduced sexual satisfaction at a rate significantly higher than women without the sleep disorder.
The relationship between sexual dysfunction and OSA is multifactorial. Factors such as decreased libido, hormonal imbalances, and daytime fatigue contribute to this association.
Reference: Margel, Dov, et al. “Severe, but Not Mild, Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Is Associated with Erectile Dysfunction.” Urology, vol. 63, no. 3, 2004, pp. 545–549.
PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
Some studies suggest a link between untreated OSA and elevated blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, known as pulmonary hypertension.
Some studies suggest a link between untreated OSA and elevated blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, known as pulmonary hypertension.
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
OSA is observed in approximately 30% of patients with chronic kidney disease. Research has shown a correlation between OSA and the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Reference: Ahmed SB, Ronksley PE, Hemmelgarn BR, et al. “Nocturnal hypoxia and loss of kidney function.” PLoS One. 2011;6(4): e19029.
LIVER DISEASE
OSA may exacerbate liver conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Reference: Norman D, Bardwell WA, Arosemena F, Nelesen R, Mills PJ, Loredo JS, Lavine JE, Dimsdale JE. “Serum aminotransferase levels are associated with markers of hypoxia in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.” Sleep. 2008;31(1):121-126.
Given these associations, Dr Sandeep Uppal and his team prioritize the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of OSA. Through a multi-disciplinary approach involving lifestyle modifications, medical devices, and potentially surgical interventions, they aim to prevent the onset or progression of these serious health conditions.
TAKE CONTROL OF SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA (OSA)
Given the prevalence and potential complications associated with snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), it’s essential to seek specialized care. Dr Sandeep Uppal and his dedicated team are here to provide expert assistance.
Don’t wait any longer—take proactive steps to manage snoring and OSA effectively. Our multidisciplinary approach combines medical expertise with cutting-edge technology, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to diagnose and treat both snoring and OSA, addressing their underlying causes. Regain control over your sleep and overall health—act now.
Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive consultation and let us tailor a solution that is as individual as you are.
