OSA, high BP and diabetes are silent risks for heart disease
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is emerging as an often-overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Health experts have warned that people may mistake persistent snoring for a harmless habit while an underlying sleep disorder remains undiagnosed.
Along with undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia, untreated OSA can silently contribute to cardiovascular damage and increase the risk of major cardiac events.
According to the experts, sudden awakening after episodes of snoring can be a warning sign that requires attention. Dr Dhananjay Kumar, cardiologist at a private hospital, said, “Diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol are risk factors that may not give any symptoms. Increased cholesterol, or dyslipidaemia, can remain silent. Snoring should not always be dismissed as a routine sleeping habit. The snoring can be an initial symptom of OSA,” said Dr Dhananjay.
Experts emphasised that undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and OSA can silently damage the heart to an extent, after which major heart attacks and major cardiac events can occur.
Dr Hemant Narayan, head of department of cardiology at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), said, “Identifying cardiovascular risk factors at an early stage and controlling them is essential. The first step is to identify whether these risk factors are present. If they are present, they need to be controlled.”
The doctor also underlined that coronary artery disease does not suddenly begin on the day a person suffers a heart attack. The process leading to arterial blockage can develop much earlier.
Dr Rajesh Jha, of a private hospital, said, “Before coronary artery disease becomes fully developed and before a heart attack occurs, the blockage has already started developing. It is not that the blockage begins on the day of the heart attack.”
The experts suggested that government-led preventive programmes could play an important role in creating awareness and encouraging healthy behaviour among children and young people.
Silent threat of heart disease: Dos & Don’ts
| DO’S | DON’TS |
|---|---|
| • Check BP, blood sugar and cholesterol regularly. | • Don’t wait for symptoms to get BP or sugar checked. |
| • Pay attention to persistent snoring and disturbed sleep. | • Don’t ignore persistent snoring or breathing interruptions during sleep. |
| • Exercise regularly, ideally 30 minutes, 5 days a week. | • Don’t smoke or use tobacco. |
| • Get adequate sleep and manage stress. | • Don’t stop prescribed medicines without medical advice. |
| • Follow a balanced, low-salt diet. | • Don’t ignore an inactive lifestyle, poor diet or prolonged stress. |
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