Why do cardiac arrests happen more at night?

At night, the body's shift to a restful state can alter heart rate and rhythm, potentially causing arrhythmias that trigger cardiac arrest, especially in those with underlying conditions.

Can sleep apnea cause sudden cardiac arrest?

Yes, sleep apnea causes oxygen drops that stress the heart, destabilizing its rhythm and increasing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest during sleep.

What tests should I get to prevent cardiac arrest after 40?

Basic tests like lipid profile, blood sugar, blood pressure, stress tests, ECG, and echocardiogram are recommended for early detection of heart issues.

Home / Health / Night Cardiac Arrests: Silent Killer Strikes During Sleep

Night Cardiac Arrests: Silent Killer Strikes During Sleep

12 Jan

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Summary

Nighttime cardiac arrest is common, affecting apparently healthy individuals.
Sleep apnea and hormonal shifts can trigger fatal heart events at night.
Lifestyle factors like stress and co-morbidities increase risk by age 40.

Night Cardiac Arrests: Silent Killer Strikes During Sleep

Sudden cardiac arrests during sleep, once rare, are becoming a concerning phenomenon, even affecting individuals who appear healthy. These events often occur because of underlying, undiagnosed heart conditions that are exacerbated during the body's natural parasympathetic response at night. Changes in heart rate and rhythm during sleep can lead to dangerous arrhythmias, increasing the risk significantly between midnight and early morning.

Several factors contribute to this alarming trend. Sleep apnea, characterized by intermittent breathing cessation, causes oxygen levels to drop, stressing the heart and destabilizing its rhythm. Furthermore, hormonal shifts in the early morning hours can increase blood pressure and heart rate, potentially causing unstable plaques to rupture. This rupture can lead to blood clots that block coronary arteries, cutting off oxygen and triggering fatal arrhythmias while the individual remains unaware in deep sleep.