Heart Attack Symptoms: Troubling Sound During Sleep That Warns You Of Your Risk

Heart attacks are regarded as among the serious medical conditions that you need to be wary of. The body exhibits warning signs that could signal you of your risk of developing one. Knowing these warning signs would also help you to seek timely treatment and intervention. One of these signs occurs during sleep.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring is normal. Many people snore when they sleep, especially if they are already in that deep sleep state. However, when snoring starts to sound like you’re gasping or choking, it could signal sleep apnea. This is a condition that happens when an individual stops breathing while sleeping. Often, it occurs several times during the course of sleep.

The worse thing about sleep apnea is that it creates a toll on the heart. It strains the heart, which increases your risk of a heart attack. Snoring per se may be normal, but when the sound starts becoming a choking sound, then it must be sufficient to have your resort to means that will reduce your risk of a heart attack.

The risk increases as you age. Being overweight or obese also raises the risk. Combine these with sleep apnea, and you should be really wary.

The Study

A Science Daily study showed how snoring is related to health risks. As per the study, snoring alone, even without sleep apnea would cause abnormalities and thickening of the carotid artery. This is regarded as a precursor of atherosclerosis.

Another health expert, Dr. Robert Deeb of the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Henry Ford, stated that patients would need to seek treatment if they are snoring. Medical treatment is a must for those who snore during sleep.

In another study, they found that snoring and sleep apnea are more dangerous for women than men. It could lead to an impairment of the cardiac functions.

Trip to the Doctor

Once you have ascertained that you are snoring, better seek your doctor’s advice. Your doctor would be able to check if you would have to undergo a sleep study to determine your condition. You may also need to have a CPAR machine during sleep to help smoothen your breathing.