Sleep Apnoea & Your Heart: The Overlooked Connection

Many people think of snoring as nothing more than a nighttime nuisance. But what if those loud snores or pauses while asleep were silently putting your heart at risk? 

Sleep Apnoea, especially Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), is far more than a sleep disorder. It’s a serious cardiovascular risk factor that affects millions worldwide, often without being diagnosed. 

Let’s explore how this overlooked condition impacts your heart, why early detection matters, and what you can do to protect your health. 

What Is Sleep Apnoea? 

Sleep Apnoea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), happens when the throat muscles relax and block the airway. Each pause can last several seconds, sometimes up to a minute, and may occur dozens of times per hour. 

As a result, oxygen levels in your blood drop, forcing your body to wake slightly to resume breathing. You might not remember these awakenings, but your heart feels the impact. 

How Sleep Apnoea Affects the Heart 

1. Raises Blood Pressure
   Every time your breathing stops, oxygen levels fall, and your brain sends emergency signals to increase blood pressure. This repetitive stress triggers hypertension, which is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke.
   Even mild sleep apnoea can cause nighttime spikes in blood pressure, which often go unnoticed during daytime readings. 
   
   

2. Increases Risk of Arrhythmias
   Interrupted breathing disrupts the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, irritating the heart’s electrical system. This can lead to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation (AFib).
   Studies show that patients with untreated sleep apnoea are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop AFib. 
   
   

3. Contributes to Heart Failure
   Chronic low oxygen levels (hypoxia) strain the heart muscle, making it work harder to pump blood. Over time, this can lead to heart enlargement and weakened heart function, increasing the risk of heart failure. 
   
   

4. Worsens Coronary Artery Disease
   Sleep apnoea accelerates plaque buildup in the arteries by promoting inflammation and oxidative stress. This raises the risk of a heart attack, particularly during sleep or early morning hours. 
   
   

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore 

• Loud, chronic snoring 
• Pauses in breathing or gasping during sleep (often noticed by a partner) 
• Morning headaches or dry mouth 
• Excessive daytime sleepiness 
• Difficulty concentrating on memory issues 
• Waking up tired even after 7–8 hours of sleep 

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important to discuss them with your cardiologist or sleep specialist. 

Diagnosing Sleep Apnoea 

Sleep Apnoea can be confirmed through a sleep study (polysomnography), either conducted in a sleep lab or with at-home monitoring devices. These tests track breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep stages. 

Early detection is critical because treating sleep apnoea can dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk. 

Treatment Options for Better Heart & Sleep Health 

1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
   CPAP therapy is the gold standard for moderate to severe OSA. It keeps the airway open throughout the night, improving oxygen flow and relieving heart strain. 
   
   

2. Lifestyle Changes

• Lose excess weight to reduce airway blockage 
• Avoid alcohol or sedatives before bedtime 
• Sleep on your side instead of your back 
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule 
  
  

3. Cardiovascular Care
   If you have high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or other heart conditions, treating both heart disease and sleep apnoea together yields the best results. Your cardiologist may recommend further evaluation or cardiac monitoring. 
   
   

The Heart-Sleep Connection You Can’t Ignore 

Sleep is when your body and heart recover. When sleep is repeatedly disrupted, your heart never gets the rest it needs. The link between sleep apnoea and heart disease is strong, but so is the potential for recovery once treatment begins. 

If you or someone you love experiences heavy snoring, fatigue, or breathing pauses during sleep, don’t ignore the signs. Addressing sleep apnoea early can protect your heart, improve your energy, and enhance overall quality of life. 

At i-Cardiology, we offer comprehensive screening for patients at risk of sleep apnoea and related heart complications. 
Schedule your evaluation today and take the first step toward a healthier heart and restful sleep.