Snoring is common and occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in the upper airway while breathing. Some studies suggest that snoring may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The findings, however, have been limited as most studies have relied on subjective, self-report, snoring evaluation.
In the current study, researchers investigated the link between snoring and hypertension prevalence using in-home monitoring technology. To do so, they monitored 12,287 participants, with an average age of 50, every night for around six months using under-the-mattress sensor technology to estimate the average percentage of sleep time spent snoring. Blood pressure was also assessed via an FDA-registered at-home blood pressure monitor.
Altogether, 20% of participants had uncontrolled hypertension, and 29%, 14%, and 7% snored for an average of more than 10, 20, and 30% of the night. The researchers found that those who spent a higher proportion of time snoring were roughly 1.9-fold more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension independent of sleep apnea than those who spent the lowest proportion of time snoring.
“We observed that in those who snore regularly the risk of having uncontrolled hypertension was almost double. This risk almost doubled again in people who snored regularly and had sleep apnoea versus those who did not snore regularly,” said senior study author, Professor Danny Eckert, Director of Sleep Health at Flinders University, in a press release.
“The findings of this study pave the way to further investigate whether therapeutic interventions directed toward snoring can reduce hypertension and reduce the risks associated with it,” said lead study author Dr. Bastien Lechat from the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University in a press release.
Sources: Neuroscience News, npj Digital Medicine