Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common complication of untreated sleep apnea?

1. Diabetes

2. Asthma

3. Cardiovascular disease

4. Chronic bronchitis

The correct answer is: Cardiovascular disease

Untreated sleep apnea is associated with several complications, with cardiovascular disease being one of the most significant. When an individual experiences interrupted breathing during sleep, it can lead to repeated drops in blood oxygen levels. This oxygen deprivation triggers several responses in the body, including increased blood pressure and stress on the heart. Over time, these repeated stress responses can contribute to the development of conditions such as hypertension, heart arrhythmias, and even heart failure. Moreover, chronic sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing other cardiovascular problems, such as stroke and heart attack. The link between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease is well-established in medical literature, making it a critical concern for those diagnosed with this condition. While the other options, such as diabetes, asthma, and chronic bronchitis, can be influenced by lifestyle and other factors, cardiovascular disease is the most direct and common complication resulting from untreated sleep apnea. Each of these conditions has different mechanisms and risk factors, but they do not share the same direct causative relationship with untreated sleep apnea as cardiovascular disease does.