Private MD News

Sleeping problems linked to heart health complications

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

For individuals who have received unhealthy cholesterol test results, it may be a good idea to make sure to get a good night's sleep. New research suggests that sleeping too much or too little may be linked to an increased chance of developing heart health complications. This may be particularly dangerous for individuals with preexisting cardiovascular risk factors.

For the study, researchers from the Chicago Medical School analyzed data collected from more than 3,000 adults. The results showed that those who slept for less than six hours per day had an increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke or developing congestive heart failure. Those who slept more than eight hours were more likely to develop angina or coronary artery disease.

The researchers said the findings make it clear that doctors should talk to their patients about their sleep habits. A high percentage of adults in the U.S. experience sleep difficulties. However, these problems are generally not thought of as major cardiovascular risk factors, even though they clearly do affect the heart.

"Clinicians need to start asking patients about sleep, especially with those who are already at greater risk for heart disease," said lead researcher Rohit Arora.