Does chronic snoring indicate heart problems?

Snoring is a wheezing noise that one produces while resting at night. It is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea that increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular problems, and heart attack. People dealing with this condition stop breathing for a few seconds while resting. This may happen numerous times in one night. However, people should know that nose snoring does not necessarily mean that you have sleep apnea. It can be that you simply make a wheezing noise during the night because your tongue does not have enough space at the rear of the throat and is obstructing the airway. But, can snoring lead to a heart attack? To know the answer, read the following sections. Have a glance!

Can snoring cause heart problems?

Snoring occurs in people whose tongue obstructs the airway. It is more likely to happen with people who are obese, have heart troubles, or sleep on their back. Humans have chemicals in the brain that are responsible for triggering breathing. But, in individuals who snore at night, these hormones can fail to do their job. In such people, the oxygen levels can drop, which can hike adrenaline, cortisone, and other hormones.

A surge in their levels can lead to high blood pressure and irregularities of the heart. The issues, in turn, can exacerbate heart failure or trigger heart attacks. This can even lead to sudden death. In people who have obstructive sleep apnea, reduced oxygen in the system can cause damage to the heart.

Risk factors related to sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that can occur with anyone. However, some people have increased chances of developing this condition than others. These include:

. People who are obese and overweight

. Individuals in their 50s or 60s

. Men are at an increased of developing sleep apnea

. People suffering from congestive heart failure

. Individuals who consume alcohol or sleeping pills

As people grow older and develop issues like hypertension, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes, the risk for OSA grows, which is concerning for health providers.

Symptoms associated with sleep apnea

People suffering from sleep apnea show the following signs:

. Snoring at night

. Waking with a dry nose

. Problems with focus

. Not feeling refreshed in the morning

. Choking in acid reflux at night

. Waking up gasping for air

. Daytime fatigue

. Falling tired while driving or watching TV.

So, snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea. In people suffering from this condition, the risk of heart disease is high.