Does sleeping on the stomach increase heart attack risk? Experts answer

There are many facets to sleep and its effect on one’s health. But does your sleeping position, especially on the stomach, directly impact breathing and cause the heart to stop beating? Let’s find out.

Dr Amit Gangwani, consultant interventional cardiologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital said, heart blockage is mainly caused by factors like the buildup of excessive fat, and cholesterol around the arteries. “Lack of continuous blood flow to the tissues in the heart muscle can lead to the death of the cells. It is a medical emergency that needs prompt diagnosis to prevent the risk of further complications,” said Dr Gangwani.

Dr Gangwani, however, added that there’s no direct link between sleeping on the stomach and increased risk of heart attack. “A heart attack is a serious condition that occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is significantly disrupted or completely blocked,” said Dr Gangwani.

Agreed Dr Varsha Koul, senior consultant, cardiology, Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, adding that “Based on current research, a person’s sleeping position is not widely recognised as a risk factor for heart disease or other cardiovascular issues.”

However, sleeping on the stomach can severely impact various other parts of the body, cause difficulty in breathing, and also put extra pressure on the spine.

Dr Naveen Chandra G S, HOD and lead consultant, department of interventional cardiology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru noted that although the direct connection between sleeping and heart attacks is not definitively established, “stomach sleepers are more prone to heart problems”.

Which is your most preferred sleeping position? (Source: Pexels)

“When you lie face down on the bed, it puts pressure on the chest and abdomen which might constrict blood flow, making your heart work inefficiently. Furthermore, this position may also increase spinal and nerve pressures leading to overall stress and discomfort that can negatively impact cardiovascular health,” said Dr Chandra.

It is vital to know that difficulty in breathing is one of the warning signs of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and angina. “This sleeping position can be problematic for people suffering from respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” said Dr Gangwani.

While sleeping position alone is unlikely to be a sole cause of heart attacks, Dr Chandra said that it can be a contributing factor especially when people have existing heart conditions or other risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.

Making sure your spine stays neutral while asleep requires one to either lie on their back or side with proper support for better heart health. “Additionally, leading a lifestyle that promotes good cardiac function by exercising regularly, eating healthy meals, and managing anxiety goes a long way in reducing chances of suffering from cardiac-related problems,” said Dr Chandra.

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