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Irregular Sleep Apnea Ups Heart Risk
13 Apr
Summary
- Irregular sleep apnea increases heart attack risk by 34%.
- A single night test may not reveal fluctuating apnea risks.
- Testing sleep apnea over time is recommended by researchers.
New findings suggest that sleep apnea poses a greater heart health risk when it fluctuates nightly. This variability can increase the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure by 34% compared to stable sleep apnea.
Researchers emphasize that a single night of testing may be insufficient, as individuals with mild average sleep apnea could still be at elevated risk if their condition varies significantly between nights. This inconsistent strain may place undue stress on the heart and blood vessels.
The study analyzed sleep data from over 3,000 adults, revealing that while moderate to severe sleep apnea increased heart health emergency odds by 45%, the night-to-night variation independently added a 34% risk.
Experts recommend that sleep health be monitored over time, akin to diabetes and blood pressure tracking. Individuals experiencing snoring or feeling unrefreshed after sleep are encouraged to consult a health professional for potential hidden heart risks.
