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Study Links Sleep Apnea to Higher Heart Risk

  • 04 Apr 2026

In April 2026, a new study has found that individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) face a 71% higher risk of cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality, with the findings set to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026).

Key Points

  • Major Finding: 71% higher risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs) or all-cause mortality in people with OSA.
  • About the Condition:
    • OSA involves repeated airway blockage during sleep.
    • Leads to poor sleep quality and increased cardiovascular risk.
  • Link with Obesity:
    • 40–70% of OSA patients are overweight or obese.
    • Obesity increases severity of OSA.
  • Key Insight:
    • Elevated risk persists even after adjusting for other factors.
    • Strong association between OSA, obesity, and heart-related risks.
  • Implications:
    • Need for early screening and diagnosis of OSA.
    • Importance of managing obesity to reduce risks.
  • Significance:
    • One of the largest studies on OSA outside the US.
    • Highlights a major but often underdiagnosed public health risk.