Snoring may indicate heart problems

A source of jokes among couples and friends, snoring is actually a signal that the body is giving that something is not right. It usually indicates dysfunctions related to obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular problems. If left untreated, these diseases can even lead to premature death.

A study conducted by the American university John Hopkins over eight years identified that people who snore at a very loud volume may have a shorter life expectancy and present serious cardiovascular problems in greater numbers.

According to cardiologist Kátia Vasconcellos from Cardioservice, several factors contribute to the appearance of snoring. “With aging, there is a laxity of muscles, organs, and tissues, and when this laxity affects the pharynx, snoring may occur. However, when associated with sleep apnea, it increases the incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart attack, and cardiac arrhythmias,” she said.

“Both snoring and apnea involve the narrowing of the airways during sleep, increasing the chances of cardiovascular problems because the concentration of oxygen is reduced, causing an increase in blood pressure and, with it, the risks of heart attack and stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident),” the doctor informed.

But, even with all these risks related to snoring, it can be treated. According to otorhinolaryngologist Márcio Cesar da Silva from Prime Med clinic, patients who snore may have some type of obstruction in the upper airway, such as a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, and alterations in the soft palate. In these cases, surgical treatment may be indicated to clear the airway.

“Surgeries for the treatment of snoring and apnea are safe procedures and when well indicated, they bring a significant improvement in the patient's quality of life,” he said.

Treatments for sleep apnea range from weight loss diets, in the case of obese patients, who are the majority with this type of comorbidity, to the use of devices that are used during sleep, and surgeries may also be necessary in some cases.

Treatments for sleep apnea range from weight loss diets, in the case of obese patients, who are the majority with this type of comorbidity, to the use of devices that are used during sleep. Surgeries may also be necessary in some cases.