Final answer:
Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to serious health conditions due to the decline in arterial oxygen levels, such as hypertension, angina attacks, cardiac dysrhythmias, strokes, and type 2 diabetes, but a direct link to Alzheimer's disease is not clearly established.
Step-by-step explanation:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep due to the relaxation and subsequent collapse of the soft tissues in the throat, which can impede airflow. Common risk factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol use, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, diabetes, older age, and being male. While disrupted sleep patterns are an immediate effect of OSA, serious declines in arterial oxygen levels may lead to several health issues.
Some of the conditions associated with the low oxygen levels caused by sleep apnea include:
- A. Hypertension - High blood pressure can develop as the body struggles to intake oxygen during OSA events.
- B. Angina attacks - Reduced oxygen levels can lead to chest pain from inadequate blood flow to the heart.
- D. Cardiac dysrhythmias - Irregular heartbeats can occur due to the stress and strain of inadequate breathing.
- E. Cerebral vascular accidents (strokes) - Disruptions in oxygen supply can increase the risk of stroke.
- F. Type 2 diabetes - Sleep apnea may influence glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, factors relevant to type 2 diabetes.
While Alzheimer's disease (Choice C) is a condition that affects the brain, the direct association between Alzheimer's and oxygen deprivation from sleep apnea is not as clearly established within this context as the other conditions listed.