What is a common consequence of untreated sleep apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to numerous health complications, with cardiovascular complications being a primary concern. When an individual suffers from sleep apnea, their breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, causing fluctuations in oxygen levels in the blood. This condition places significant stress on the cardiovascular system, contributing to several issues, including hypertension (high blood pressure), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Over time, these disruptions can lead to chronic cardiovascular conditions as the heart works harder to compensate for the lack of adequate oxygenation. Thus, recognizing and treating sleep apnea is essential to prevent these serious cardiovascular issues and maintain overall health.

The other options suggest positive outcomes or unrelated conditions, which do not align with the consequences typically observed with untreated sleep apnea.