Symptom 12. Snoring or Sleep Apnea: Not Just a Nightly Nuisance
While snoring might seem like nothing more than a nightly annoyance for your partner, heavy snoring or gasping for air during sleep could be indicative of a serious health condition known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, with each pause typically lasting for ten seconds or more.
Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type, occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax, blocking the airway. These pauses in breathing can decrease the oxygen level in your blood, forcing your cardiovascular system to work harder, increasing your heart rate and causing blood pressure to surge.
Over time, these repeated episodes of low oxygen levels and high blood pressure can strain your heart, potentially leading to various heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack, and heart failure. Moreover, sleep apnea is often associated with obesity, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
If you or your partner notice heavy snoring, long pauses in breathing, or gasping for air during sleep, it’s essential to discuss these symptoms with a healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment of sleep apnea can help prevent or manage potential heart problems. (12)
