CPAP can prevent or reverse serious consequences of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment can help protect you from these serious health risks: Heart disease By treating your sleep apnea, you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Sleep apnea is linked to a variety of heart problems because it causes you to stop breathing many times each night. These pauses cause changes in the pressure on your heart and can cause changes in your blood oxygen levels. This puts an enormous strain on your heart.