The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease
Researchers confirm that sleeping less than 6 hours or a night of fragmented sleep is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This conclusion is based on the results of the Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis (PESA) study.1 Both short or long sleep duration, as well as poor quality of sleep, contributes to an increased risk of asymptomatic atherosclerosis. This is a condition in which fat, cholesterol, and other fatty substances harden and narrow the arteries.
The Study
A total of 3974 healthy, middle-aged adults wore a wristband monitor for a week to record sleep quality and quantity. Furthermore, the average age of the participants was 46 years and 63% were men.
The participants were divided into four groups based on sleep duration: (1) below 6 hours, (2) 6-7 hours, (3) 7-8 hours, (4) above 8 hours. They were then further divided into five quintiles based on quality of sleep. Medical history, blood tests, and also dietary habits were all collected. Using a 3D vascular ultrasound and coronary CT, researchers then looked for noncoronary atherosclerosis and coronary calcification.
The Results
Researchers first accounted for age, gender, physical activity, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, blood pressure, blood glucose level, cholesterol calorie consumption per day, depression, obstructive sleep apnea, and other socio-economic factors. They then concluded that very short sleepers had significantly more atherosclerosis than those who slept for 7 to 8 hours a night.
Further, those with the most fragmented sleep were more likely to have multiple sections of arteries with atherosclerosis compared to those with less fragmented sleep. Fragmented sleep is a symptom of sleep apnea. With a lack of oxygen to the brain due to the closing of airways, the body constantly jolts itself awake. This typically occurs without the person’s knowledge. However, the impact is clear—daytime drowsiness, irritability, mood swings, weight gain, and a whole host of other more serious medical conditions.
The Take-Away
“People who had short or disrupted sleep were also more likely to have metabolic syndrome, which refers to the combination of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, and depicts an unhealthy lifestyle.” said study author Dr. Dominguez, of the Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research in Madrid.2
Further, “failure to get enough sleep and restlessness during the night should be considered risk factors for blocking or narrowing of the arteries,” he said.2
References:
1. Rodrigues FD, Fernandez JM, Friera LF, et al. Association of actigraphy-measured sleep parameters and subclinical atherosclerotic burden: the PESA study. Eur Heart J. 2018 Aug;38(1 Supp):474-5.
2. Short and fragmented sleep linked to hardened arteries [press release]. Eurpean Society of Cardiology. 2018 Aug 26. escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/Short-and-fragmented-sleep-linked-to-hardened-arteries. Accessed September 10, 2018.
How can The CPAP Shop help? Our trained sleep technicians and customer service representatives can help determine the best sleep machine and accessories suited for you to guarantee a full night’s rest. Email us at questions@thecpapshop.com or also give us a call at 866-414-9700.
Chris Vasta is the president of The CPAP Shop and an expert in sleep and respiratory therapy. He often provides insights on product design and functionality on various manufacturers’ prototypes and is frequently tapped to provide reviews on new releases.
This post was updated with the latest information in January 2026.
For decades, we thought diet and exercise were the only keys to a healthy heart. But recently, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated its official checklist for cardiovascular health—Life’s Essential 8™—to include a new, non-negotiable pillar: Healthy Sleep.
In 2026, the evidence is undeniable. Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) isn't just about snoring; it is a direct accelerant for heart disease. If you are struggling to control your blood pressure or heart rhythm despite medication, your airway might be the culprit.
How Sleep Apnea "Attacks" the Heart
When you have OSA, your breathing stops dozens—sometimes hundreds—of times a night. Each time this happens, your blood oxygen levels drop (hypoxia).
To keep you alive, your brain triggers a "Sympathetic Surge" (a panic response). Your body dumps adrenaline and cortisol into your bloodstream, forcing your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to constrict.
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The Result: Instead of resting at night, your heart is running a marathon. Over time, this chronic nightly stress physically reshapes the heart muscle
Resistant Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Are you taking two or three blood pressure medications but still seeing high numbers? This is called Resistant Hypertension.
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2026 Stat: Studies show that up to 80% of patients with resistant hypertension also have untreated sleep apnea.
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The Fix: Treating OSA with CPAP therapy has been shown to lower nighttime blood pressure significantly, often allowing patients to reduce their medication dosage under doctor supervision.
Learn more about how sleep apnea affects blood pressure in this blog article.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Atrial Fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heart rate that can lead to blood clots and stroke. The link between AFib and sleep apnea is so strong that many cardiologists now refuse to perform an ablation procedure (to fix the rhythm) until the patient has been tested for sleep apnea.
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Why? The physical pressure changes in the chest cavity during an apnea event can stretch the heart's atria, triggering the arrhythmia. CPAP therapy reduces this recurrence by 42%.
Stroke and Heart Failure
Oxygen starvation destroys tissue. Chronic hypoxia damages the delicate lining of blood vessels (the endothelium), leading to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis.
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The Risk: People with severe, untreated sleep apnea are 2 to 3 times more likely to have a stroke than those without it.
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The Recovery: For heart failure patients, CPAP therapy can improve the "Ejection Fraction" (how well the heart pumps), reducing fatigue and improving quality of life.
CPAP: The Best Heart Medicine
Using a CPAP machine acts as a "pneumatic splint" for your airway. By keeping your oxygen levels stable all night, you prevent the adrenaline spikes that wreck your cardiovascular system. In 2026, cardiologists are increasingly prescribing "sleep" alongside statins and beta-blockers. It is the only heart medication that requires no pills—just air.
For more information about sleep apnea or CPAP products, contact our expert staff today! Give The CPAP Shop a call at 866-414-9700.
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