Relationship between snoring and stroke

A new study by otolaryngologists showed that snoring is one of the risk factors for developing a stroke or other heart disease. This state during sleep causes more damage to the cardiovascular system than smoking, excess weight or high levels of cholesterol.

Snoring is a rather unpleasant phenomenon, which is experienced by almost every person at some stage in their life. According to statistics, 40% of men and 24% of women are prone to snoring. Rare snoring is observed in almost all people, but a constant loud sound indicates deviations, some of which cause serious problems in the body. In most cases, snoring results in a strong relaxation of the muscles of the tongue, soft palate and pharynx, which causes vibration during breathing. The causes of snoring can be quite different. These include nasal septum deviation, polyps, neoplasms, enlarged tonsils.

When experts studied this phenomenon, they concluded that snoring can not only be a sign of minor deviations, but also a harbinger of such diseases as stroke and cardiac dysfunction.

A study conducted by American scientists showed that the changes occurring in the body during snoring can affect the thickening of the carotid artery through which blood flows to the brain. The thickening of the walls, in turn, leads to brain hemorrhage, stroke or heart attack. In addition, snoring results in a cessation of breathing for a few seconds, but even during this insignificant time the body manages to experience an acute shortage of oxygen.

During the scientific experiment, 54 people aged 18 to 50 years were examined. All participants provided data on the state of health, snoring during sleep and its strength. Then they underwent ultrasound examination to measure the thickness of the carotid artery. Even such a simple diagnostic test made it possible to determine that the walls of those people who snore were much thicker than those of the other participants.

Having received the first results, the specialists decided to continue the research to prove the significance of such a phenomenon, which most people do not pay attention to. In case of such a deviation, it is recommended to consult specialists to find out the cause of snoring and undergo treatment. The main principles of treatment are the observance of the regime of the day, rejection of bad habits, medication and, in rare cases, surgical treatment. The elimination of the disease at the initial stage will help avoid such serious complications, such as stroke, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Here you can also read other articles on this topic:

• Antiplatelet therapy
• Smoking and stroke
• The Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of stroke

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