Did you know sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease? Treatment may improve heart health or slow progression, but in some cases, the damage can’t be reversed.

This article explains how sleep apnea affects heart health and whether treatment can reverse the damage.

How Does Sleep Apnea Damage the Heart?

During normal sleep, the cardiovascular system is able to rest and recover. Sleep apnea interrupts this process and its benefits. Research strongly suggests a link between sleep apnea and heart disease.

The pauses in breathing during sleep apnea lower the body’s oxygen levels. In response, the body releases stress hormones.

High levels of stress hormones can raise blood pressure and damage the lining of blood vessels. Poor sleep may also raise bad cholesterol levels, which can clog arteries.

Sleep apnea and obesity can affect both blood pressure and the structure and function of the heart. Changes in heart structure have even been seen in children with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea has also been linked to enlargement of the heart chambers and problems with how the heart pumps and fills with blood.

Although more research is needed, evidence suggests untreated sleep apnea may raise the risk of several heart problems, including:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure

Can Sleep Apnea Treatment Reverse Heart Damage?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnea. Studies show that CPAP may improve some changes in heart structure and function linked to sleep apnea. This suggests treatment may partially reverse some heart damage.

Although research findings have been mixed, newer studies suggest that consistent CPAP use may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and improve long-term blood pressure control, especially among people who use their device for at least four hours each night.

Studies also suggest that improving oxygen levels may help slow down the progression of heart disease and improve function.

What Steps Can You Take To Improve Heart Health?

Although some damage caused by sleep apnea may not be reversible, there are still ways to improve heart health. Along with managing your sleep apnea, consider the following strategies:

Prioritize Sleep

Getting enough quality sleep is important for heart health. Aim for at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

A poor diet is strongly linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Following a heart-healthy diet may help reduce these risks. A heart-healthy diet includes:

• Adjusting calorie intake to reach and maintain a healthy weight
• Eating a variety of vegetables and fruits
• Choosing whole grains instead of refined grains
• Including healthy protein sources such as beans, fish and seafood, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products
• Using unsaturated fats, such as plant oils
• Limiting ultraprocessed foods
• Reducing added sugars in drinks and foods
• Choosing low-sodium foods and preparing meals with little to no salt
• Limiting alcohol intake

Be More Active

Regular exercise can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Physical activity may also improve sleep.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. This type of activity raises your heart rate and makes breathing harder, but you should still be able to talk during exercise.

Get Treated for Sleep Apnea

Treating sleep apnea can help improve blood pressure, quality of life, and daytime sleepiness.

Although CPAP has been shown to lower blood pressure with long-term treatment, more research is needed to better understand whether treating sleep apnea can also reduce the risk of other cardiovascular events.

When Should You Call Your Care Team?

If you think you may have sleep apnea, talk with your doctor about screening for sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment may help lower heart disease risk.

People with sleep apnea have a higher risk of heart disease and complications like heart attack and stroke. Your doctor can help you understand these risks and ways to lower them.

Join the Conversation

On MySleepApneaTeam, people share their experiences with sleep apnea, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you been diagnosed with any heart problems? Let others know in the comments below.