Counsel & Heal | Sleep apnea linked to early sign of heart failure Medical News Today Participants also had blood samples taken, and they were followed-up for a median of 21.4 years. During this time, there were 222 deaths, 212 patients experienced coronary heart disease events, and 122 participants experienced heart failure. Sleep Apnea Severity Tied to Cardiac Marker Getting to the Heart of Sleep Apnea |