Insomnia Triples Risk of Heart Failure

The risk of developing heart failure tripes for people who suffer from insomnia.

The finding came from a new study, the largest yet to examine the association, and was published in the European Heart Journal.

Previous research suggested that insomniacs have a moderately higher risk of having a heart attack (27 to 45% greater) than people who rarely have problems sleeping.

The new investigation involved 54,279 people between the ages of 20 and 89 who were followed for an average of over 11 years.

Results showed that the participants who experienced three insomnia symptoms were over 3 times more likely to develop heart failure compared to those with no symptoms of insomnia.

Heart failure risk linked to 3 important symptoms

The risk of heart failure was associated with three critical insomnia symptoms:

• trouble falling asleep
• problem staying asleep
• not waking up feeling refreshed in the morning

More research is needed to determine a casual relationship

Although an association was shown between insomnia and an elevated risk of heart failure, the study did not demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship.

"We do not know whether heart failure is really caused by insomnia," Dr Laugsand said. However, he added, if it is, it is possible to treat insomnia by strategies including following simple suggestions regarding sleeping habits, commonly known as sleep hygiene, and many psychological and pharmacological therapies.

Assessment of sleep issues may offer further details that could be used to prevent heart failure. More studies would be necessary to determine whether or not insomnia causes the condition.

Read more at ...........Medical News Today

Copyright: Medical News Today
Written by Sarah Glynn

Sources: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/257311.php?sr