Snoring may increase the risk of heart attack

Snoring may be more than just a bothersome night time habit:

• A connection has been found between between ‘plain’ snoring – not more severe sleep apnoea – and cardiovascular risk
• Snorers more likely to have thickening or abnormalities in the carotid artery that supplies the brain with blood
• Snorers must seek treatment in the same way as those with high blood pressure or heart disease risk factors.

Snorers may be at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes than those who are overweight, smoke or have high cholesterol, scientists say.Startling research has revealed that those who snore are more likely to have thickening or abnormalities in the carotid artery that supplies the brain with oxygenated blood.This condition is a precursor to a hardening of the arteries, which leads to heart attacks and brain hemorrhages.

Although snoring is more common in people who are overweight it is estimated that about 40 per cent of men and 24 per cent of women are habitual snorers. For several years now scientists have been aware of a relationship between snoring and cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

 Changes in the carotid artery are a precursor a hardening of the arteries, which can cause heart attacks and brain hemorrhages. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – a sleep disorder that occurs due to the collapse of the airway in the throat during sleep and causes loud snoring and periodic pauses in breathing – has long been linked to cardiovascular disease, along with a host of other serious health issues. But the risk for cardiovascular disease may actually begin with snoring, long before it becomes OSA. Instead of complaining about your partners snoring, medical attention may be needed.