Chronic snoring is a common issue that affects around 25 percent of American adults, and their co-sleeping partners. Snoring is not only a noisy nuisance — it may also be a sign of sleep apnea. Not everyone who snores has this underlying condition. For those who do, snoring can lead to heart failure.

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a chronic, progressive condition that requires medical treatment. Heart failure develops over time, if your heart does not pump out enough blood to meet your body’s needs.

Sleep apnea can cause heart failure. It is a disorder that causes your breathing to stop and start while you sleep. There are two types.

There is a connection between snoring, sleep apnea, and heart failure.

Snoring is not a sign of heart failure. It can be a sign of sleep apnea. If snoring is chronic and loud, it is important to determine the underlying cause of sleep apnea.

The less common type of sleep disorder is called central sleep apnea.

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 wake up makes your heart and cardiovascular system work harder. You lose the deep, regenerating rest needed for your health when you sleep many times a night.

Loud snoring is caused by sleep apnea. Other symptoms include:

  • gasping
  • snorting
  • The person is choking.
  • You woke up startled by your snoring.
  • waking up a lot
  • consistently waking up with a morning headache or dry mouth
  • It is very tiring during the day.

The symptoms of central sleep apnea can be different. Central sleep apnea can cause snoring. Snoring may be less loud or intense when it occurs. Other symptoms of central sleep apnea can be found.

  • Short of breath and sudden awakenings during sleep.
  • insomnia
  • It is very tiring during the day.
  • Changes in mood.
  • Constantly waking up with headaches.

Additionally, the following are primary symptoms of both types of sleep apnea, even though many people don’t think to connect them to the condition:

There are different underlying causes of sleep disorders. The obstruction of air flow causes the disease. CSA is caused by brain signaling problems.

Obstructive sleep apnea

The throat collapses during sleep. The muscles that support the soft tissues of the upper airway relax and narrow, blocking the flow of air in the respiratory system. Air must flow from the mouth and nose into the lungs in order for your body to be healthy.

OSA rates are higher among African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics. Researchers believe this may be likely because these groups have higher likelihood of having obesity. It can occur in people of any age, but is more likely to occur in people over 50, and is more common in men than in women. In women, obstructive sleep apnea is most common after menopause.

Central sleep apnea

The brain stops signaling the diaphragm to contract and expand when it is in sleep. The diaphragm is a muscle that helps control breathing.

CSA can be caused by taking narcotics. It can be possible to sleep in high altitudes when you are not used to it.

Underlying health conditions can cause central sleep apnea. They include heart failure and stroke.

Central sleep apnea can happen to people of any age, including infants. However, it is most common in older adults.

“Snoring doesn’t mean you have sleep problems. If you or your partner notice sleep apnea symptoms, you should see a doctor.”

If you need a doctor to run tests for heart failure, you can.

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:

  • The brain waves are waves.
  • The heart rate is related to the amount of blood in the body.
  • breathing
  • The level of blood oxygen.

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.

There are a lot of questions about snoring and sleep apnea.

Can snoring cause heart attack?

Sleep apnea is a risk factor for heart attack. When snoring is caused by sleep apnea, a surge in cortisone and adrenaline occurs when you are awake. This can happen many times a night. Over time, stress hormones can be a risk factor for a heart attack.

What are the other effects of snoring on the body?

Snoring can cause fatigue, memory fog, and irritability during the day. Long-term snoring can cause type 2 diabetes as well as heart failure, high blood pressure, and stroke.

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

Sleep apnea is a risk factor for heart failure. It is a risk factor for high blood pressure.

If you snore loudly or excessively, you should contact a sleep specialist or primary care doctor.