Life expectancy of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can vary depending on a person's individual risk factors and lifestyle. Studies have shown that life expectancy for people with OSA can be significantly lower than the general population. A study published in 2011 in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that life expectancy for people with OSA was 6.5 years shorter than the general population.
Risk Factors Affecting Life Expectancy
There are a number of risk factors that can affect a person's life expectancy with OSA, including age, comorbidities, lifestyle, and severity of the disorder.
Age: Age is one of the most important factors when it comes to life expectancy with OSA. The older a person is, the higher their risk of developing serious complications from the disorder, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Comorbidities: Comorbidities, or other health conditions, can also affect a person's life expectancy with OSA. The presence of other conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, can increase the risk of complications from OSA.
Lifestyle: A person's lifestyle can also play a role in their life expectancy with OSA. People who smoke, are sedentary, or have poor dietary habits are at an increased risk of developing complications from the disorder.
Severity of the Disorder: The severity of a person's OSA can also affect their life expectancy. People with severe OSA are more likely to experience complications from the disorder, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Conclusion
The life expectancy of people with obstructive sleep apnea can vary depending on a person's individual risk factors and lifestyle. Age, comorbidities, lifestyle, and severity of the disorder can all affect a person's life expectancy with OSA. It is important for people with OSA to be aware of their risk factors and take steps to reduce them in order to improve their life expectancy.