Scientists Have Determined After What Lack Of Sleep Heart Attacks And Strokes Develop

Scientists have determined after what lack of sleep heart attacks and strokes develop

People who sleep less than six hours a day are at greater risk for heart disease than those who sleep seven to eight hours.

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People who sleep less than six hours a day are at greater risk for heart disease than those who sleep seven to eight hours. This is evidenced by a new Spanish study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

In a study of 3,974 bank employees, activity trackers (sensors) were worn for a week to measure sleep characteristics. They also underwent three-dimensional ultrasound (ultrasound) and computed tomography (CT) of the heart to detect diseases.

The researchers found that participants in the study who slept less than six hours a day were 27% more likely to have a preclinical (not yet manifest) form of atherosclerosis. The comparison was made with people who sleep seven to eight hours.

Previously, other studies have found that sleep deprivation exacerbates the traditional risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, obesity, inflammation, high blood sugar.

“Along with diet and physical activity, sleep is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle that we need to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system,” said study lead author Jose Ordovas of Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III in Spain.

Atherosclerotic deposits in the arteries may not manifest themselves for a long time, but in the end they cause the development of angina pectoris, cardiosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke.

The median age of the study participants was 46 and had never been diagnosed with heart disease in the past. On average, they were overweight, but most devoted about 45 minutes of physical activity a day.

People who slept less tended to be older, with more body mass, higher cholesterol and higher blood pressure than participants who rest more.

Scientists have estimated the 10- and 30-year risk of vascular catastrophes. On average, participants had a 5.9% risk of heart attack or stroke over 10 years and 17.7% over 30 years. But with a decrease in sleep, these numbers increased to 6.9% and 20.9%.

The authors note that only 160 study participants slept more than eight hours a day. These "sleepers" have also been found to have an increased risk of heart disease. This primarily concerned women, whose probability of illness doubled.