Dr. Krishan Yadav, a cardiologist at Yatharth Hospital, Noida Extension (India), said that many people can have a sudden heart attack while sleeping. However, this is actually a result of underlying risk factors that patients are not aware of or have not been tested for.
People in the following risk groups need to regularly check their health and monitor their cardiovascular condition to prevent serious complications:
arrhythmia (abnormal heart rate): People with arrhythmia, such as arrhythmia or other heart rhythm problems, may be at higher risk of heart attack, especially while sleeping. This is because sudden changes in the heart rate can cause anemia to supply the heart, leading to a heart attack.
Untreated high blood pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. If blood pressure is not controlled, especially while sleeping, the heart may have to work harder to pump blood, increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Sleep apnea: This is a condition in which breathing stops for a few seconds or minutes while sleeping, causing blood oxygen levels to drop. When this happens, the heart has to work harder to maintain oxygen levels, increasing pressure on the heart and possibly leading to a heart attack.
Coronary artery disease: When the coronary arteries are blocked by plaque (artery fibroids), blood flow to the heart is limited. This increases the risk of heart attack, especially when the body is in a relaxed state while sleeping.
Chronic stress and anxiety: People with prolonged stress or anxiety may have irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of a heart attack at night.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at high risk for coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular problems. Uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack, especially during sleep.
Potential heart disease: People with a family history of heart disease or have had heart problems, even without obvious symptoms, may also be at risk of heart attack at night due to changes in their body at rest.
