What happens If Sleep Apnea is Left Untreated ?

Sleep apnea can be a life-threatening disorder.

• If treated, you can live a healthy, active life.
• If untreated, you have a higher chance of serious health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity.

High blood pressure

• 1 in 3 people with high blood pressure also has sleep apnea.
• In patients who take multiple medications to control their blood pressure, that number is much higher.
• Treating sleep apnea may help lower your blood pressure and benefit your heart.

Heart disease

• Sleep apnea may place a patient at higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
• CPAP therapy is associated with a lowered risk of heart disease.
• More than 1 in 2 people with type 2 diabetes also suffer from sleep apnea.
• Studies show that sleep apnea may affect the body’s ability to use glucose and insulin.

Obesity/overweight

• Treating sleep apnea may help you in your efforts to reach a healthy weight.
• Exercise is important in controlling your weight, but when you’re tired you have less energy to exercise.
• Treating sleep apnea has been shown to improve a person’s overall quality of life and increase energy throughout the day.
• The increased energy from treating sleep apnea may help you exercise, which can lead to weight loss