Snoring may also be a sign of sleep apnea. Not everyone who snores has this underlying condition. For those who do, snoring may impact your heart health.

Chronic snoring is a common issue that affects around 25 percent of American adults, and their co-sleeping partners.

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a chronic, progressive condition that requires medical treatment.

Let’s go over the connection between snoring, sleep apnea, and heart failure.

Snoring is not necessarily a sign of heart failure. It can, however, be a sign of sleep apnea. Since sleep apnea may lead to heart failure and other serious conditions, it’s important to determine the underlying cause of snoring, especially if it’s chronic.

Central sleep apnea, the less common type, occurs when the brain stops sending signals to the muscles of the diaphragm that control breathing.

Snoring is typically caused by obstructed breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea causes brief interruptions in breathing to occur at least 20 to 30 times an hour during sleep. These constant sleep interruptions cause a drop in oxygen blood levels. When your oxygen level drops, your brain jolts you into wakefulness so you’ll take a deep breath. People typically don’t remember these occurrences, even though they may happen hundreds of times a night.

The interruptions in breathing also cause a surge in cortisone and adrenaline, two stress hormones, to occur. These hormones contribute to heart failure and high blood pressure. They can also trigger heart attacks.

The constant jolt of waking up places an ongoing strain on your heart and entire cardiovascular system. Waking up many times a night also robs you of the deep, regenerative rest needed for overall health.

Snoring doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea. However, if you or your partner notice ongoing sleep apnea symptoms, including snoring, see a doctor.

A doctor can analyze your symptoms and, if necessary, run tests for heart failure, such as a:

You may be referred to a sleep specialist. This doctor uses a specific type of overnight test, called a polysomnography, to monitor respiration, movement, and heart function while you sleep. For several hours, a polysomnography records your:

  • brain waves
  • heart rate
  • breathing
  • blood oxygen level

It also records your leg movements and eye movements during sleep. This test can be used to diagnose sleep apnea and other conditions, such as restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy.

Snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. It may also be a symptom of central sleep apnea, a less common type.

Sleep apnea is a risk factor for heart failure. It is also a risk factor for high blood pressure, arrythmia, and high blood pressure.

If you or your partner snore loudly and excessively, contact a primary care doctor or a sleep specialist for testing.