- By Iram Hussain
- Sun, 25 May 2025 06:06 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
One of the most vital organs of the body is the heart which pumps blood to all parts of the body. With cardiovascular diseases increasing, particularly in younger generations, it has become crucial to understand the lesser-known factors of heart failure (HF). While high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity are all well-known factors, sleep disorders, especially sleep apnea are becoming silent but more serious threats to heart health.
Heart failure is a global concern, affecting an estimated 2–3% of the world's population and causing 1.8 million hospitalisations every year in India. It is also one of the major reasons for hospital admissions among the elderly. What makes HF alarming is that it is on the rise and becoming extremely common, and many of its risk factors are often neglected, especially those involving disturbed sleep.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Manoj Sivaramakrishnan, Senior Consultant & Interventional cardiologist, Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet, Chennai explained the link between sleep disorders and heart failure.
Sleep Apnea And Heart Health
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder of interrupted breathing during sleep due to obstruction of the airway. The interruptions can be in the form of pauses for seconds to a minute and occur several times during the night, lowering the level of oxygen in the blood and placing excessive strain on the heart and circulatory system. According to the American Heart Association, OSA is strongly associated with the development and progression of heart failure. It causes irregular changes in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to increased stress on the heart muscles and structural heart damage over time. The connection is so strong that approximately 50% of people with HF also suffer from some form of sleep-disordered breathing.
Why Sleep Disorders Go Unnoticed?
One of the reasons why sleep disorders are not diagnosed is that symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping during sleep or feeling tired despite sleeping sufficient hours are usually blamed on overall fatigue or personal habits. Sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep disorder has a strong connection with heart failure. The disorder leads to recurring oxygen loss, which strains the heart, increases blood pressure, and adds to the overall cardiovascular load. Overtime, this repeated oxygen loss puts tremendous strain on the heart, raises your blood pressure and adds to the overall stress on your cardiovascular system.
Tips For Managing Heart Failure Effectively
Treating sleep disorders is a key aspect of comprehensive heart failure management. In addition to conventional heart treatments like Valve Replacement, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) and Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), maintaining a healthy sleep pattern can significantly enhance quality of life and reduce hospitalisation. Heart health is not just about what happens during the day, it’s also about how well you sleep at night. Prioritising good sleep hygiene and seeking timely medical advice can be life-saving steps in preventing and managing heart failure.