Sleep apnea may be silently damaging men's hearts. What you need to know.

Many men shrug off snoring, daytime fatigue, or waking up exhausted as part of getting older, working long hours, or having a busy life. But cardiologists say those common symptoms may be warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can quietly increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and heart failure.

During Men's Health Month, Megan Pelter, MD, advanced heart failure cardiologist at Loma Linda University Health, is encouraging men to take sleep health seriously and recognize that sleep apnea affects much more than their quality of rest.

"Sleep is not a luxury; it is as important to heart health as diet and exercise," Pelter says. "Many men think snoring is just an annoyance or that being tired is normal. But untreated sleep apnea can silently damage the heart for years before symptoms become obvious."

What happens when breathing repeatedly stops during sleep?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway repeatedly collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop for short periods. These interruptions can occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night, often without a person realizing it.

Each episode triggers a stress response in the body. Oxygen levels fall, blood pressure rises, and stress hormones surge as the brain briefly wakes the body to restart breathing. Over time, this repeated cycle places significant strain on the cardiovascular system.

"Think of it like your body going through a mini emergency over and over all night long," Pelter says.

Why are men more likely to develop sleep apnea?

Men are nearly twice as likely as women to have sleep apnea. Excess weight around the neck and abdomen, larger neck size, advancing age, alcohol use before bedtime, and family history can all increase risk.

Certain populations, including African American, Hispanic, and Native American men, are also at increased risk.

Despite how common the condition is, many men remain undiagnosed because they dismiss symptoms or fail to recognize them as warning signs.

Common symptoms include loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, daytime sleepiness, low energy, mood changes, and even erectile dysfunction.

What is the connection between sleep apnea and heart disease?

The same nightly disruptions that affect sleep can also take a toll on the heart and blood vessels.

Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. In fact, sleep apnea is frequently found in patients who already have cardiovascular disease, yet it often goes unrecognized.

One of the strongest links is high blood pressure. Normally, blood pressure drops while a person sleeps. For people with sleep apnea, however, repeated breathing interruptions can keep blood pressure elevated throughout the night and eventually during the day as well.

Sleep apnea is also a major risk factor for atrial fibrillation, the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder. Repeated drops in oxygen and surges in stress hormones can alter the heart's electrical system, making abnormal heart rhythms more likely.

How does this affect the rest of the body?

Sleep apnea doesn't just impact sleep and heart health. It is also closely tied to obesity, diabetes, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Poor sleep can disrupt hunger hormones, increase insulin resistance, and contribute to weight gain, creating a cycle in which each condition worsens the others.

"Sleep apnea silently raises blood pressure, damages blood vessels, disrupts heart rhythm, and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure," Pelter says. "It also worsens diabetes, weight gain, and cholesterol, all of which further increase heart risk."

What can be done about sleep apnea?

The good news, Pelter says, is that sleep apnea is highly treatable.

Diagnosis often begins with a conversation about symptoms and may include a simple home sleep study. Treatment options can include weight loss, lifestyle changes, positional therapy, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which helps keep the airway open during sleep. Studies have shown that consistent CPAP use can improve sleep quality, lower blood pressure, and reduce cardiovascular risk.

"If you regularly snore, wake up tired, or have been told you stop breathing during sleep, don't ignore it," Pelter says. "A simple screening and sleep test can provide answers. Treatment can help you sleep better, feel more energized, lower your blood pressure, and protect your heart for years to come."

To learn more about diagnosis and treatment options for sleep apnea, visit Loma Linda University Health's sleep medicine services. For information about heart health, cardiovascular disease prevention, and specialized cardiac care, visit the Loma Linda University Health International Heart Institute webpage.