Sleep apnea can be caused by certain health problems such as obesity and heart failure. The heart is stressed which increases blood pressure and heart rate. The Effects Of Sleep Apnea On The Body Read More Https Ift Share this article via email with one or more people using. Sleep apnea effect on heart rate . But maybe it should be. I had a sleep study last night at a sleep disorder clinic and 3 hours after going to sleep i was given a cpap as the attendant told me i had sleep apnea. Sleep apnea affects how much oxygen your body gets while you sleep and increases the risk for many health problems including high blood pressure heart attack and stroke. Because sleep apnea sufferers are constantly awakened they have poor quality sleep and feel exhausted all day. There is also evidence that sleep apnea may increase the risk of stroke heart failure and arrhythmias. Jun 28 2011 rating. There are other physical effects of apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea osa causes a perso...