Insomnia and Heart Attacks Link
Written By: Circulation, the Journal of The American Heart Association
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Published - Feb 2, 2012
Heart Disease remains the number one killer for which a new risk factor has emerged, insomnia. A study published in Circulation, the Journal of The American Heart Association reported having trouble sleeping increases the risk of having a Heart attack from 27 to 45%.
The study evaluated 52,610 Norwegian adults surveyed regarding their sleep patterns and followed over 11 years. Two findings were noted if the problem occurred almost every night for a month, the third finding was seen if the problem occurred more than once a week during the month:
- Having trouble falling asleep was associated with a 45% increase risk
- Difficulty staying asleep with a 30% increase risk
- Waking up not feeling refreshed with
a 27% increase risk
The exact mechanism for the association between insomnia and Heart Attack risk is unclear but remains important to respect. Researchers feel poor sleep quality raises blood pressure, stress hormones and inflammatory proteins called cytokines which cause Heart Attack, Heart Disease and Stroke.
Reducing risk of Heart Disease is important for all not only those with a “genetic” history. Diet, lifestyle, supplements and maintaining good sleep habits are critical and necessary for everyone to reduce disease risk and promote health and longevity.