Heart attacks are no longer the prerogative of the elderly. Heart attacks in India are becoming increasingly frequent, occurring more often in comparatively young and vigorous individuals. Heart attack cases are reported to be happening even during sleep. It is high time that we delve into this dangerous situation. After all, knowledge about the reasons for the development of heart disease will protect us from it.
Why does sleep affect the work of the heart?
During sleep, there is a decrease in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. This is due to the deactivation of the cardiovascular system. However, for patients with heart problems, this process can be fraught with risks.
How sleep affects the risk of cardiac arrest
Decreased heart rate variability (HRV):
HRV in a healthy person refers to the ability of the heart to change the time between heartbeats. A decrease in HRV during sleep can be one of the reasons for arrhythmia and consequently for a heart attack.
Electrolyte imbalance:
The imbalance of electrolytes that can occur during sleep can also be a reason for a heart attack. This happens, for example, with obstructive sleep apnea.
Increased sympathetic activation:
Although sleep is associated with a decrease in sympathetic activity, there may be episodes of sympathetic activation during it. Such situations are usually associated with an increase in blood pressure.
What increases the risk of cardiac arrest during sleep?
The increased risk of cardiac arrest during sleep is associated with the presence of predisposition to certain heart diseases:
Coronary artery disease:
This term refers to narrowing of the coronary arteries, which can be caused by atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease increases the risk of arrhythmia and subsequent cardiac arrest.
Heart failure:
This condition is characterized by the inability of the heart to pump enough blood. Heart failure can lead to hypoxia during sleep.
Arrhythmia:
This term refers to a disruption of the conduction of bioelectric impulses in the heart muscle. Arrhythmia can occur and during sleep, leading to a cardiac arrest.
Congenital heart defects:
This type of defect occurs in the first few years of life and leads to changes in the structure and function of the heart. In particular, congenital heart defects can lead to disruptions in the conduction of bioelectric impulses, which can be the reason for a cardiac arrest during sleep.
What are the symptoms of silent cardiac arrest?
There may be various symptoms associated with sudden cardiac arrest:
Weakness
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Insomnia
Feeling of lack of air
Since such signs are nonspecific, they may be indicators of other conditions as well. In addition, some of these symptoms can occur only after a cardiac arrest has occurred. Therefore, if you have some of the symptoms described above, you should consult the best heart hospitals in Chennai.
At what time of night do cardiac arrests most often occur?
We all know that cardiac arrests are scary, but did you know that they have a preferred time to occur? The fact is that many scientific studies have recorded a greater number of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths in the early morning hours. More specifically, between 3 and 4 am. But why exactly this period?
What are the ways to prevent cardiac arrest during the night?
There are some measures that will help reduce the risk of having a heart attack during sleep. Of course, cardiac arrest cannot be completely prevented since its causes can be genetic. Nevertheless, there are some steps that can reduce the likelihood of this dangerous condition.
Lifestyle changes:
A heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential pillars in reducing the risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest.
Treatment of heart disease:
Various heart diseases can be the reason for a cardiac arrest during sleep. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of the symptoms of the disease, for example, high blood pressure.
Treatment of sleep apnea:
The use of a CPAP device during sleep will allow you to eliminate one of the reasons for a cardiac arrest during sleep. There are various devices for this, among which CPAP is the most effective.
Regular health check-ups:
They can help identify potential problems before they become serious.
Can a healthy person have a cardiac arrest?
Even a healthy person can have a cardiac arrest. One of the reasons for a cardiac arrest can be coronary artery disease. This disease can develop on the background of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis involves the accumulation of cholesterol on the walls of the coronary arteries, thereby narrowing them. As a result of this, the blood circulation in the heart is disrupted, leading to a cardiac arrest.
Can you survive a cardiac arrest in sleep?
A cardiac arrest is the cessation of blood circulation due to an electrical malfunction in the heart. This process is usually fatal within several minutes after its onset. The fact that a person dies from a cardiac arrest during sleep is due to the impossibility of rendering first aid at the early stages of its course.
Can a cardiac arrest wake you up at night?
You can wake up when you have a cardiac arrest. In addition, some symptoms of a cardiac arrest can be mistaken for sleep disorders, resulting in an incorrect diagnosis. Thus, in some cases, a sudden cardiac death can be confused with insomnia.
Cardiac arrest during sleep is a severe situation. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it. A healthy lifestyle, getting rid of bad habits, and regular medical check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of a cardiac arrest during sleep. If you have any health concerns, Chennai’s best cardiac hospital, DR.RELA INSTITUTE AND MEDICAL CENTRE, will help you.
