You may not realize it, but certain lesser-known nighttime symptoms could be warning signs of a disease that causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK. According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), heart disease claims over 170,000 lives annually—equivalent to one death every three minutes in Britain. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of heart attacks and the most significant killer of both men and women globally.
It’s vital to recognize these seven lesser-known symptoms that often occur at night, as reported by the Mirror:
1. Sleep Apnea
• Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, requiring treatment. The NHS lists symptoms such as breathing interruptions, gasping, snorting, choking, frequent waking, loud snoring, daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and morning headaches. If untreated, sleep apnea can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
2. Night Sweats
• Night sweats, where you sweat so much that your clothes and bedding are soaked even in a cool room, can be a sign of underlying health issues. The NHS notes possible causes like menopause, anxiety, medications, low blood sugar, alcohol or drug use, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
3. Frequent Urination
• Waking up at night to urinate could indicate a more serious problem. According to Orlando Health in the US, heart failure can affect the body’s ability to expel fluids. Lying down improves kidney function, increasing urine production, even if you’ve limited your fluid intake before bed.
4. Chest Pain
• While chest pain isn’t always serious, the NHS advises seeking emergency help if you experience sudden, lasting chest pain that feels like pressure or squeezing, especially if it spreads to other areas or is accompanied by sweating, nausea, dizziness, or breathlessness. Heart attack-related chest pain is often a sharp, sudden sensation.
5. Shortness of Breath
• Shortness of breath can sometimes be harmless but might also signal a serious condition. It can occur during activity or rest, worsen when lying down, and even wake you up at night, leaving you struggling to breathe.
6. Raised Pulse
• A rapid pulse could be a sign of supraventricular tachycardia, where the heart beats abnormally fast. A resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute may lead to various health concerns.
7. Restless Legs Syndrome
• Restless legs syndrome causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, which can severely disrupt sleep. According to the NHS, this condition may lead to insomnia, anxiety, and depression in more severe cases.
Recognizing these symptoms early can be critical in addressing potential heart issues and preventing more serious complications.