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Sleep Apnea Raises Heart Death Risk 71%, Obesity Worsens Danger

A major new study reveals that people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) face a 71% higher risk of cardiovascular events or death from any cause compared to those without the condition. The research, analyzing health records of nearly 3 million people, found the risk is particularly pronounced among adults living with obesity. The findings underscore the critical need for effective obesity management and early screening for sleep apnea. Researchers call this the largest matched case-control study on OSA conducted outside the United States to date.

Key Points: Sleep Apnea Increases Heart Risk 71%, Study Finds

  • 71% higher risk of heart events or death
  • Strong link to obesity
  • Study of over 117,000 people
  • Urgent need for early screening
  • Largest such study outside the US
2 min read

People with OSA have 71 pc higher risk of cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality: Study

New study links obstructive sleep apnea to a 71% higher risk of cardiovascular events or death, especially in adults with obesity.

"In adults, obstructive sleep apnea is linked to higher risk of cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality, especially among those with obesity. - Heather Fitzke"

New Delhi, April 3

Scientists have found that those living with obstructive sleep apnea have a 71 per cent higher risk of cardiovascular events or death from any cause compared with those not living with OSA.

New research, to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026, Istanbul, Turkey, May 12-15), is a collaboration between Imperial College Health Partners; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK; and Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly).

"In adults, obstructive sleep apnea is linked to higher risk of cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality, especially among those with obesity, even after adjusting for confounders," said study co-author Heather Fitzke of Imperial College Health Partners, London.

OSA is characterised by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep and is associated with reduced quality of sleep and life and increased cardiovascular risk.

The prevalence of obesity and overweight among people with OSA is between 40-70 per cent, and people living with obesity are more likely to experience more severe OSA than those without the condition.

In this new study, the primary objective was to assess the increased risk of the combined endpoint of CVEs or death among adults with a diagnosis of OSA compared to adults without OSA.

The study used electronic health records from 2.9 million residents.

In the analysis, 20,300 people diagnosed with OSA were matched with 97,412 comparators; 57.2 per cent (11,613) of those participants with OSA were living with obesity compared to 56.7 per cent (55,264) of the matched participants without OSA.

The authors found the risk of CVEs or all-cause mortality among people with OSA was 71 per cent higher than in the matched controls without OSA.

These findings underscore the need for effective obesity management and highlight the importance of early screening and timely diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the largest matched case-control study of obstructive sleep apnea outside the US to date, Fitzke added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The link between obesity and OSA is very clear here. 71% higher risk is staggering. Public health campaigns in India should focus on this dual burden. It's not just about weight loss for looks, it's literally about heart health and longevity.
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Priyanka N
My father was diagnosed with sleep apnea last year. We had no idea his daytime fatigue and high BP were connected. After using a CPAP machine, his energy levels and blood pressure have improved dramatically. Please don't ignore loud snoring! đź©ş
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Aman W
Respectfully, while the study is important, I wish it had more participants from South Asia. Our body types, diets, and genetic predispositions can be different. Hope Indian medical institutions conduct similar large-scale research soon.
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Kavya N
Early screening is key, but in many tier 2 and 3 cities in India, sleep studies are expensive and not easily accessible. Government hospitals need to have more facilities for this. Health is wealth, after all.
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Michael C
The statistic that 40-70% of people with OSA are overweight or obese is telling. It reinforces the need for holistic health management. Simple lifestyle changes—regular sleep schedule, mindful eating, evening walks—can make a big difference.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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