{"id":33860,"date":"2026-07-01T12:39:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T12:39:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/?p=33860"},"modified":"2026-07-01T12:43:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T12:43:18","slug":"can-you-die-from-sleep-apnea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/can-you-die-from-sleep-apnea","title":{"rendered":"Can You Die From Sleep Apnea? Understanding the Real Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"33860\" class=\"elementor elementor-33860\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27367632 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"27367632\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-776bad42 elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"776bad42\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;,&quot;h3&quot;,&quot;h4&quot;],&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of Contents\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__776bad42\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__776bad42\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__776bad42\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M500 975V858C696 858 858 696 858 500S696 142 500 142 142 304 142 500H25C25 237 238 25 500 25S975 237 975 500 763 975 500 975Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-493d71cf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"493d71cf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Can you die from sleep apnea? Yes. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. The good news is that early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly reduce these risks. If you experience symptoms such as loud snoring, breathing pauses, or excessive daytime sleepiness, speak with a healthcare professional and consider a sleep evaluation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-603de60 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"603de60\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1672\" height=\"941\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/can-you-die-from-sleep-apnea-understanding-the-real-risks.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-33863\" alt=\"Infographic explaining the real risks of untreated sleep apnea and how CPAP therapy protects heart health.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/can-you-die-from-sleep-apnea-understanding-the-real-risks.webp 1672w, https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/can-you-die-from-sleep-apnea-understanding-the-real-risks-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/can-you-die-from-sleep-apnea-understanding-the-real-risks-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/can-you-die-from-sleep-apnea-understanding-the-real-risks-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/can-you-die-from-sleep-apnea-understanding-the-real-risks-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1672px) 100vw, 1672px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa7010c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aa7010c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>What Is Sleep Apnea and Why Is It a Silent Killer?<\/h2><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/what-is-sleep-apnea-and-how-to-treat-it\">Sleep apnea<\/a> is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, which lowers oxygen levels and forces the body to work harder all night. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, but central sleep apnea can also be serious, especially in people with heart failure.<\/p><p>Research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), Mayo Clinic, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that untreated sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature death. Sleep specialists commonly evaluate patients only after family members notice loud snoring, repeated breathing pauses, or excessive daytime sleepiness, highlighting why early diagnosis and treatment are important.<\/p><h2>How Untreated Sleep Apnea Becomes Life-Threatening<\/h2><p>Untreated sleep apnea can stress the cardiovascular system night after night. Repeated drops in oxygen can trigger inflammation, blood pressure spikes, and irregular heart rhythms, which is why it is linked to heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.<\/p><p>The danger is not that everyone with sleep apnea will die from it. Rather, the risk of death from untreated sleep apnea increases significantly when the condition is moderate to severe, oxygen levels drop frequently, or a person already has heart disease. In people with heart failure, sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of mortality, and central sleep apnea is particularly concerning.<\/p><h2>5 Serious Untreated Sleep Apnea Complications to Know<\/h2><p>Untreated sleep apnea complications can affect both short-term safety and long-term health. Common complications include daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, morning headaches, and waking up gasping or choking during sleep.<\/p><p>More serious complications include:<\/p><ul><li>High blood pressure.<\/li><li>Atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias.<\/li><li>Heart failure progression.<\/li><li>Stroke risk.<\/li><li>Increased risk of sudden cardiac death in severe cases.<\/li><\/ul><p>A useful way to think about it is this: sleep apnea does not always kill directly, but it can raise the chance of fatal events over time by damaging the heart and blood vessels.<\/p><h2>Can Untreated Sleep Apnea Shorten Your Life Expectancy?<\/h2><p>People with both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/link-between-diabetes-and-sleep-apnea\">sleep apnea and heart failure<\/a> generally have a higher risk of reduced life expectancy than those without these conditions. Research suggests that untreated sleep-disordered breathing may worsen outcomes, particularly in people with central sleep apnea, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.<\/p><p>For people without major heart disease, untreated obstructive sleep apnea still raises risk, but the outcome is not the same for everyone. That is why doctors focus on severity, oxygen drops, and comorbid conditions rather than using a one-size-fits-all prediction.<\/p><h2>Can Sleep Apnea Kill You in Your Sleep? The Truth<\/h2><p>The short answer to <strong>can sleep apnea kill you in your sleep<\/strong> is yes, but that is not the typical outcome. The more realistic danger is repeated oxygen deprivation, strain on the heart, and a higher chance of a fatal cardiac event during sleep or later from cumulative damage.<\/p><p>If someone is waking up gasping, has very loud snoring, stops breathing repeatedly, or has severe daytime sleepiness, that needs medical evaluation. Mayo Clinic and NHS both describe these as warning signs of a potentially serious sleep disorder.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4009aff0 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4009aff0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41fea146 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"41fea146\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-69aa4a02 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"69aa4a02\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2adcaec8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2adcaec8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/zZUtoLCRcvQ&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23f23827 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"23f23827\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99e125d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"99e125d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">FAQ's<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b015bb1 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5b015bb1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-333eac1e elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"333eac1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-8590\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-8590\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Can sleep apnea kill you? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M31.3 192h257.3c17.8 0 26.7 21.5 14.1 34.1L174.1 354.8c-7.8 7.8-20.5 7.8-28.3 0L17.2 226.1C4.6 213.5 13.5 192 31.3 192z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8590\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1644e7b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1644e7b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8590\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3bff3acf e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3bff3acf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-292b3dce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"292b3dce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to death by increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and sudden cardiac death. It usually does not act alone; it often raises risk over time by worsening cardiovascular health. Severe cases and people with existing heart problems are at the highest risk.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-8591\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-8591\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Does sleep apnea shorten life expectancy? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M31.3 192h257.3c17.8 0 26.7 21.5 14.1 34.1L174.1 354.8c-7.8 7.8-20.5 7.8-28.3 0L17.2 226.1C4.6 213.5 13.5 192 31.3 192z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8591\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58b59909 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"58b59909\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8591\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-53d3bc99 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"53d3bc99\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27c84928 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"27c84928\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes, untreated sleep apnea can shorten life expectancy, especially when it is moderate to severe or combined with heart disease. Research links it to higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, though the exact risk varies based on severity, oxygen drops, age, and other conditions.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-8592\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-8592\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Is obstructive sleep apnea more dangerous than central sleep apnea? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M31.3 192h257.3c17.8 0 26.7 21.5 14.1 34.1L174.1 354.8c-7.8 7.8-20.5 7.8-28.3 0L17.2 226.1C4.6 213.5 13.5 192 31.3 192z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8592\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46d296aa e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"46d296aa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8592\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-17aa5664 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"17aa5664\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-629a6b1a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"629a6b1a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Both are serious, but central sleep apnea can be especially concerning in people with heart failure. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common, and it is strongly linked to hypertension, stroke, and heart disease. The most dangerous type depends on the person\u2019s overall health.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-8593\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-8593\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What are the biggest untreated sleep apnea complications? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M31.3 192h257.3c17.8 0 26.7 21.5 14.1 34.1L174.1 354.8c-7.8 7.8-20.5 7.8-28.3 0L17.2 226.1C4.6 213.5 13.5 192 31.3 192z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8593\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4205c5e1 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4205c5e1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8593\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-141f2bfc e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"141f2bfc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77d2e31b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"77d2e31b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The biggest complications are high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, stroke, and increased risk of sudden cardiac death. It can also cause daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, and a higher risk of accidents. These problems build gradually, which is why untreated cases are often underestimated.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-8594\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"5\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-8594\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Can sleep apnea cause heart failure? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M31.3 192h257.3c17.8 0 26.7 21.5 14.1 34.1L174.1 354.8c-7.8 7.8-20.5 7.8-28.3 0L17.2 226.1C4.6 213.5 13.5 192 31.3 192z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8594\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a202502 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a202502\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8594\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e008e4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7e008e4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bffe024 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bffe024\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Sleep apnea does not always cause heart failure, but it can worsen it and may contribute to its development in some people. In patients who already have heart failure, sleep apnea is associated with higher mortality. That is why cardiology and sleep medicine often overlap in treatment planning.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-8595\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"6\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-8595\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> How do I know if sleep apnea is severe? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M31.3 192h257.3c17.8 0 26.7 21.5 14.1 34.1L174.1 354.8c-7.8 7.8-20.5 7.8-28.3 0L17.2 226.1C4.6 213.5 13.5 192 31.3 192z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8595\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ebd6994 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ebd6994\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8595\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7e0c9a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a7e0c9a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8258a0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b8258a0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Severe sleep apnea often causes frequent breathing pauses, loud snoring, gasping, choking, and major daytime sleepiness. A sleep study is the best way to measure severity, usually by counting apnea events and tracking oxygen drops during sleep. Symptoms alone are not enough to judge the full risk.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-8596\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"7\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-8596\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Can treatment lower the death risk? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M31.3 192h257.3c17.8 0 26.7 21.5 14.1 34.1L174.1 354.8c-7.8 7.8-20.5 7.8-28.3 0L17.2 226.1C4.6 213.5 13.5 192 31.3 192z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8596\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-861fc7a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"861fc7a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8596\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b372c9 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4b372c9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4844a6f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4844a6f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes, treatment can lower the risk by keeping the airway open, reducing oxygen drops, and easing stress on the heart. CPAP is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and studies suggest treated patients generally do better than untreated ones. The key is consistent use and proper follow-up.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-8597\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"8\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-8597\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> When should someone see a doctor urgently? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M31.3 192h257.3c17.8 0 26.7 21.5 14.1 34.1L174.1 354.8c-7.8 7.8-20.5 7.8-28.3 0L17.2 226.1C4.6 213.5 13.5 192 31.3 192z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8597\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35841c5 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"35841c5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-8597\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef5ee98 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ef5ee98\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75301f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"75301f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Someone should seek medical help soon if they have loud snoring plus witnessed breathing pauses, morning headaches, choking at night, or severe daytime sleepiness. Urgent evaluation is especially important if they also have chest pain, fainting, known heart failure, stroke symptoms, or dangerous driving sleepiness. Those signs suggest higher risk and need prompt testing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15fa0391 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"15fa0391\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d59e05e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5d59e05e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64cecb05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"64cecb05\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Can you die from sleep apnea? Yes. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. However, early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly reduce these risks. If you experience symptoms such as loud snoring, breathing pauses, or excessive daytime sleepiness, speak with a healthcare professional and consider a sleep evaluation.<\/p><p>If you&#8217;ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or need help choosing the right treatment, CPAPRX offers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/product-category\">CPAP machines<\/a>, masks, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/at-home-sleep-test\">at-home sleep testing solutions<\/a>, and expert support to help you sleep better with confidence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f6974a2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f6974a2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd9a7c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fd9a7c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><strong>Resources &amp; Further Reading<\/strong><\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/sleep-apnoea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NHS: Sleep apnoea<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/sleep-apnea\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20377631\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mayo Clinic: Sleep apnea symptoms and causes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/sleepeducation.org\/untreated-sleep-apnea-puts-heart-health-risk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AASM Sleep Education: Untreated sleep apnea puts heart health at risk<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5393905\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NIH\/PMC review on sleep apnea and cardiovascular consequences<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31509499\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PubMed: sleep apnea and heart failure<\/a><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Medical Disclaimer:<\/strong> The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or sleep specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or medical recommendations related to sleep apnea or other health conditions. Product information is not intended to replace professional medical guidance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Can you die from sleep apnea? Yes. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. The good news is that early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly reduce these risks. If you experience symptoms such as loud snoring, breathing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":33861,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[794,790,792,791,793],"class_list":["post-33860","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sleep-apnea","tag-can-sleep-apnea-kill-you-in-your-sleep","tag-can-you-die-from-sleep-apnea","tag-sleep-apnea-complications","tag-sleep-apnea-death-risk-untreated","tag-sleep-apnea-life-expectancy-heart-failure"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33860","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33860"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33860\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33874,"href":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33860\/revisions\/33874"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33860"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33860"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cpaprx.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33860"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}