Does Snoring Lead to Heart Failure?

How does snoring affect your heart failure risk?

Snoring may be a symptom of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that may increase the risk of heart failure.

There are a few types of sleep apnea, the most common of which is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This type occurs when the soft tissue in your throat relaxes and droops while you sleep, which obstructs your breathing and can cause you to snore.

OSA causes interruptions in breathing that often last for at least 10 seconds and happen repeatedly throughout sleep. These constant sleep interruptions cause a drop in blood oxygen levels.

Low blood oxygen levels can contribute to other effects — such as inflammation and increases in stress hormones as a result of activation of the sympathetic nervous system — that place strain on your heart and entire cardiovascular system.

Over time, these adverse effects can harm your heart health and increase the risk of conditions like heart failure.

It’s important to note that not everyone with sleep apnea snores, and not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. A 2024 study found that, independent of sleep apnea, snoring can be associated with high blood pressure, which is also a risk factor for heart failure.

Getting checked

Snoring doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea. However, if you or your partner notice snoring or other possible sleep apnea symptoms, contact a doctor.

If you have any symptoms that may be related to heart disease, your doctor may order further tests, such as:

• electrocardiograms
• echocardiograms
• stress tests

You may also be referred to a sleep specialist. They can order a specific type of overnight test, called a polysomnography or sleep study, 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.

Managing snoring

You may able to reduce snoring at home by adjusting your sleeping position. For some people, elevating their upper body with pillows or an adjustable mattress may help. If snoring is more noticeable when you’re on your back, sleeping on your side might also be beneficial.

It can also help to maintain a moderate weight. A higher body weight can put pressure on the soft tissues in the throat, making them more likely to obstruct your breathing while you sleep.

Alcohol consumption may also worsen snoring. Try to limit your consumption or avoid it altogether, and talk with your doctor if you need help making a plan to drink less.

Some people may also need medical help to reduce snoring. If adjusting your sleep position or lifestyle habits isn’t effective, your doctor may recommend a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or other treatments to help you breathe better during sleep.

And if you have high blood pressure or other conditions that raise the risk of heart failure, your doctor will likely also recommend dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, or other measures to protect your heart health.

Takeaway

Snoring may be a symptom of conditions that can increase heart failure risk, such as sleep apnea. Snoring is often the result of airway obstruction, which can interrupt breathing, lower your blood oxygen levels, and harm your cardiovascular system.

Talk with a healthcare professional to determine what’s causing snoring. You can start with a primary care doctor, or you may want to visit with a specialist, such as a sleep medicine specialist or a pulmonologist.