Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPSGT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and oxygen deprivation. This condition is linked to several cardiovascular and metabolic disorders due to the recurrent hypoxia and resultant stress on the body.

One significant health risk associated with OSA is stroke. Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea experience intermittent hypoxia and are prone to increased blood pressure, systemic inflammation, and coagulopathy, all of which contribute to the development of cerebrovascular events, including strokes. Studies have shown that people with untreated OSA have an elevated risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, making it a serious concern in this population.

While the other options – heart attack, diabetes, and high blood pressure – also have associations with obstructive sleep apnea, the risk of stroke has been highlighted extensively in research, demonstrating a particularly robust correlation. This connection underscores the importance of diagnosing and managing OSA to mitigate cardiovascular risks, particularly the risk of stroke.