New Study Reveals Increased Risks for People with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
A recent study has highlighted that individuals in the UK living with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) face a significantly higher risk of death or major cardiovascular issues compared to those without the condition. The findings suggest that people with OSA are 71 per cent more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, or die from any cause.
This research, set to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Turkey next month, underscores the importance of managing obesity effectively, as it is the leading cause of OSA. According to the Sleep Apnoea Trust, approximately 10 million people in the UK may be affected by this condition, which is the most common type of sleep apnoea and causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep.
The NHS reports that symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, gasping, snorting, or choking noises during sleep, and frequent waking throughout the night. Researchers from Imperial College Health Partners examined the health records of over 20,000 adults in north-west London with OSA and compared them with around 100,000 people without the condition. Despite similar levels of obesity in both groups, 26 per cent of those with OSA experienced a cardiovascular event or died within four years, compared to 17.5 per cent of those without the condition.
After adjusting for factors such as smoking and existing health conditions, the researchers found a 71 per cent higher overall risk of cardiovascular events or death among people with OSA. 
Additional Health Concerns Linked to OSA
The study also revealed that individuals with OSA are more prone to developing other conditions, including obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and anxiety. In 2020, the Sleep Apnoea Trust reported that a third of adults aged 30 to 69 were living with OSA, with projections suggesting that this figure could rise to 45 per cent by 2035.
Obesity plays a significant role in the development of OSA, as excess fatty tissue in the neck can narrow the airway and increase the likelihood of it collapsing. This not only leads to breathing difficulties but also raises the risk of high blood pressure and heart problems. Treatment often involves using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which helps keep the airways open during sleep.
Rising Prevalence of OSA in the UK
According to a 2023 international research team, the number of men aged 30 to 69 with OSA in Britain is expected to increase from 39 per cent to 54 per cent by 2050. For women in the same age group, the projection is from 36 per cent to 49 per cent. This means the total number of people in the UK living with OSA will grow from about 7.7 million to 11.9 million.
Heather Fitzke, a co-author of the study from Imperial College Health Partners, stated: ‘In adults, obstructive sleep apnea is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality, especially among those with obesity, even after adjusting for confounders. These findings underscore the need for effective obesity management and highlight the importance of early screening and timely diagnosis.’
Managing OSA and Preventing Complications
The NHS advises that it can be difficult to self-diagnose OSA, and suggests asking someone to observe you while sleeping to check for symptoms. Losing weight, exercising regularly, maintaining a consistent sleep routine, and ensuring a dark and quiet bedroom environment can help manage the condition. Sleeping on your side is also recommended, as well as avoiding smoking and alcohol, and not using sleeping pills unless advised by a doctor.
If left untreated, OSA can lead to serious complications, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and depression or mood changes. Persistent fatigue caused by OSA can also increase the risk of accidents and affect concentration. The study was sponsored by Lilly, the manufacturer of obesity and diabetes medications, including Mounjaro.
Serious Effects of Untreated OSA
Untreated OSA can result in anxiety, daytime tiredness that increases the risk of accidents, and reduced productivity. It has also been associated with an increased likelihood of heart attacks, high blood pressure, and strokes. Additionally, OSA can lead to hypoxia, a state of insufficient oxygen in the blood, which can cause dizziness, headaches, impaired judgment, and memory problems.
People with sleep apnoea often drool in their sleep because they may breathe through their mouth instead of their nose when they stop breathing, allowing saliva to pool and escape.
