14. Snoring or Sleep Apnea – Is it Just a Nuisance, or is it a Sign of Heart Disease?
Snoring or sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, can be more than just a nuisance. These conditions could be indicative of heart disease. When you have sleep apnea, the oxygen levels in your body drop during these pauses, forcing your heart to work harder to circulate blood. Over time, this extra strain can weaken the heart and lead to heart disease.
Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep apnea, is caused by an obstruction in the airway that causes temporary breathing pauses during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute. Following the pause, normal breathing resumes often with a snort or choking sound.
If you snore loudly, often feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, or have been told that you pause your breathing during sleep, it might be worth talking to a healthcare provider about sleep apnea. Treatment of sleep apnea can improve overall health and decrease the risk of heart disease. (14)
