Interrupted breathing patterns may be a result of obstructive sleep apnea, which is caused by obstructions in the airway, such as the tongue rolling back in the throat or collapsed tissues in the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver problems. It is important to have this condition treated, but sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician. We recommend that you talk to Dr. Abdelrazek, as well as your doctor, if you suffer from the symptoms of sleep apnea. Common signs of sleep apnea include: