Is Snoring a Red Flag for Heart Problems?

When you have OSA, your airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep, causing you to stop breathing momentarily. This leads to drops in oxygen levels and frequent awakenings—often without you even realizing it. Over time, this puts immense strain on your heart.

Here’s how:

• Increased Blood Pressure – Every time your oxygen levels drop, your body releases stress hormones that raise blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
• Higher Risk of Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib) – Studies show that up to half of people with A-fib also have sleep apnea. The repeated stress of oxygen deprivation can contribute to irregular heart rhythms, making A-fib more difficult to control.
• Strain on the Heart – OSA forces your heart to work harder to pump oxygenated blood, which can lead to heart failure over time.
• Increased Risk of Stroke – Interrupted breathing can cause blood vessels to constrict and increase clotting risks, heightening the likelihood of stroke.

Sleep apnea is often underdiagnosed in women, but research suggests they may face even greater risks. A recent study found that women with sleep apnea and heart failure have a higher risk of rehospitalization for cardiovascular issues than men. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, especially for women who may experience less obvious symptoms like fatigue and insomnia.

Beyond heart disease, untreated snoring and sleep apnea can also worsen other conditions that increase cardiovascular risks, including:

• Diabetes – OSA is linked to insulin resistance, which can contribute to type 2 diabetes—a major factor in heart disease.
• Obesity – Poor sleep disrupts hormones that regulate appetite, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight, in turn, increases the severity of OSA and heart disease risks.
• Chronic Fatigue & Brain Fog – Lack of oxygen and poor-quality sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, impacting work, relationships, and overall well-being.

The good news? Treating sleep apnea can significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Here’s how:

• Lowers Blood Pressure – Studies show that treating sleep apnea can reduce nighttime and daytime blood pressure levels, easing strain on your heart.
• Reduces Atrial Fibrillation Risk – Managing OSA can improve oxygen levels and prevent the fluctuations that trigger A-fib episodes, making it easier to control heart rhythm.
• Improves Oxygen Circulation – Better breathing at night ensures your organs, including your heart, get the oxygen they need to function properly.
• Decreases Inflammation – OSA contributes to chronic inflammation, which plays a role in heart disease. Treating it can lower inflammation levels and reduce arterial damage.
• Supports a Healthier Weight – Better sleep regulates appetite-controlling hormones, helping you make healthier food choices and maintain a healthy weight.
• Enhances Overall Energy & Recovery – Quality sleep helps your body recover from daily stressors, boosting energy levels and supporting long-term heart function.

At Daybreak, we make it easy to determine whether your snoring is a sign of sleep apnea. With our convenient, at-home sleep test, you can get answers without visiting a sleep lab. If diagnosed, we offer a discreet, custom-made oral device designed to keep your airway open and improve your breathing.

Your snoring might be more than just an annoyance—it could be a warning sign that your heart is under stress. The good news is that treating sleep apnea can make a real difference, improving your heart health, energy levels, and overall well-being.