Q What happens if sleep apnea is left untreated?
A If left untreated, the risk of high blood pressure, arrhythmia, diabetes, and stroke increases significantly. As oxygen saturation repeatedly drops, chronic stress builds up on the blood vessels and heart.
Detailed Answer
Complications of Untreated Sleep Apnea
When sleep apnea is left untreated, night-time oxygen saturation repeatedly drops and the sympathetic nervous system becomes excessively activated. This can lead to the following complications.
- High blood pressure: present in about 50% of OSA patients, with sustained night-time blood pressure elevation
- Arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation: 2-4 times higher risk of heart rhythm disorders
- Diabetes and insulin resistance: impaired glucose metabolism due to sleep fragmentation
- Stroke: more than 3 times higher stroke risk in severe OSA patients
- Cognitive decline and depression: reduced memory and concentration from chronic sleep fragmentation
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
When phlegm-dampness accumulates over a long period, blood viscosity rises and blood stasis (eohyeol) forms, which can lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. At Dongjedang, we detect the combined phlegm-dampness and blood stasis pattern early and address it with a compound prescription.
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