Heart disease often manifests clearly during physical activity, such as chest pain or fatigue when climbing stairs. Additionally, sleep is a time when the body reveals underlying cardiovascular disorders most noticeably.
During sleep, heart rate and blood pressure typically decrease, and the nervous system is regulated to allow the body to rest and recover. If there are heart problems, this process will be disrupted, leading to abnormal symptoms at night, according to the health website Healthline (USA).
Waking up suddenly in the middle of the night due to feeling breathless could be a warning sign of cardiovascular disease.
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Recognizing signs that occur during sleep not only helps in the early detection of heart problems but also helps prevent dangerous complications. Patients should not be complacent if they experience the following signs while sleeping:
Startled by the feeling of suffocation.
One notable sign is suddenly waking up in the middle of the night feeling short of breath, breathless, or needing to sit up to breathe more easily. This is not normal, especially if it happens frequently.
In many cases, this condition is related to heart failure. When the heart pumps blood less efficiently, fluid can accumulate in the lungs. When lying down to sleep, this fluid builds up in the chest area, reducing oxygen exchange and causing a feeling of suffocation.
Additionally, sleep apnea can also cause this due to a sudden lack of oxygen. Whatever the cause, frequently waking up due to difficulty breathing should be checked out. This symptom could indicate a serious problem with the heart or respiratory system.
Heart rhythm disturbances during sleep.
If you wake up from sleep and feel your heart beating very fast, strongly, or irregularly, it could be a sign of an arrhythmia. Some people describe it as feeling like their heart is skipping a beat or beating erratically.
Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation can occur during sleep, especially in people with underlying conditions like high blood pressure. This is due to an imbalance in the nervous system and repeated oxygen deprivation during the night, such as sleep apnea or shallow breathing, making the heart more prone to agitation and irregular rhythms. If this occurs frequently or is accompanied by dizziness and fatigue, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is needed for a more accurate assessment.
Chest pain, chest tightness at night.
Chest pain at night is a symptom that should not be taken lightly. Some people may experience chest tightness, heaviness, or burning sensations while sleeping. These are issues that are easily mistaken for symptoms of acid reflux.
However, in some cases, these symptoms can be signs of myocardial ischemia. When blood flow to the heart decreases, especially at night, the heart may not receive enough oxygen, causing pain. If the pain is persistent, radiates to the arm, shoulder, or jaw, and is accompanied by shortness of breath, immediate medical attention is needed to rule out the risk of a heart attack, according to Healthline .