Can you die from sleep apnoea?

One answer received

1. Caroline Hughes on 21st January 2018 - 2:46pm Reply

   Research suggests your risk of death increases if you have untreated sleep apnoea syndrome. However, you are more likely to die from the long-term complications caused by sleep apnoea than by the apnoeas themselves. For example, research shows that you are 1.59 times more likely to die after a stroke or coronary heart disease if you have untreated sleep apnoea syndrome.

   Complications of untreated sleep apnoea that could cause death include:

   Stroke
   Coronary heart disease
   Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure around the lungs)
   Postsurgical complications
   Diabetes-related illness
   Motor vehicle collision
   Accident at work.

   Treatment for sleep apnoea, such as continuous positive airway pressure or bilevel positive airway pressure, can reduce your risk of death. These treatments use a pump that blows air through a mask which is worn on your face. The mask then directs this pressurised air through your airways which helps you to breathe.