Healthy Lifestyle Cuts Heart Risks in Sleep Apnea Patients: New Study Reveals
Did you know that simple lifestyle changes can significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with sleep apnea?
CARDIOLOGY
7/29/20251 min read
A new study from the SAVE trial, published in BMC Medicine, shows that adopting healthy habits—like quitting smoking, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight—can reduce the risk of recurrent heart problems in people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who already have heart disease.
Key Findings at a Glance
✅ OSA patients with 2+ healthy habits had:
36% lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, or heart-related deaths
54% lower risk of stroke
65% lower risk of dying from any cause
64% lower risk of death from heart disease
✅ Every additional healthy habit reduced heart risks by 19%.
✅ The most protective habits were:
Never smoking
Moderate-to-vigorous exercise (at least 15 mins/week)
Low-to-moderate alcohol intake
Healthy waist-to-hip ratio (under 0.9 for men, under 0.85 for women)
Why Does This Matter?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects millions and is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. While CPAP machines (a common OSA treatment) help with breathing at night, this study suggests that lifestyle changes may be just as crucial in preventing heart complications.
What Can You Do?
Quit smoking – Even if you've tried before, new tools (like nicotine patches or apps) can help.
Move more – Just 15 minutes of brisk walking daily can make a difference.
Watch your waistline – A smaller waist-to-hip ratio lowers heart risks.
Drink in moderation – Stick to ≤21 drinks/week for men, ≤14 for women.
The Bottom Line
If you or a loved one has sleep apnea and heart disease, lifestyle changes could be a game-changer. While CPAP therapy is important, combining it with healthy habits may dramatically cut the risk of future heart problems.
Want to learn more? Check out the full study here.