Snoring May Signal Sleep Apnea, Raising Cardiovascular and Mortality Risks, Experts Warn

Frequent snoring, affecting approximately 40% of the Brazilian population according to the Ministry of Health, can be a serious indicator of obstructive sleep apnea. This condition causes repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, with some pauses lasting over ten seconds. These respiratory events can lead to severe health consequences, including an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and strokes, as explained by otolaryngologist José Otávio Ayres. He emphasizes that the physiological stress response, involving the release of cortisol and adrenaline, contributes to these health issues.

Treatment options for sleep apnea are available, including surgery to reduce the uvula, often called the "little bell" in the throat. Surgeon-dentist Paulo Ayres notes that while the uvula has a function, its size can exacerbate airway obstruction during sleep, affecting an estimated 35% of the population. Patient Igor Zacchi, who recently discovered he has sleep apnea, is undergoing this surgery to improve his sleep quality and reduce waking up gasping for air. Another patient, Michel Cesar de Freitas Caires, who has lived with the condition since 2009, experienced high blood pressure and fatigue. After years of using a positive airway pressure device, he found significant improvement in his quality of life following surgery, recalling his doctor's warning about potential cardiac problems if left untreated.