"The Health Risks of Sleep Apnea"

Obstructive sleep apnea increased risk of stroke and cancer

(dailyRx News) Having one health condition can often put someone at risk for another health condition. Such is the case with obstructive sleep apnea, a common but underdiagnosed sleep disorder.

During obstructive sleep apnea, a person frequently stops breathing for at least 10 seconds at a time while asleep, or else has a decrease in breathing followed by an arousal.

A recent study found that individuals with obstructive sleep apnea were at a higher risk for cancer and stroke.

The individuals were part of a 20-year study in Western Australia. The study did not find those with sleep apnea to be at a higher risk for coronary artery disease but may have been too small to show links to heart disease.