Health Risks of Snoring

Snoring typically has been regarded as a social problem with minimal adverse health affects. However, a study of 110 patients in Sydney, Australia, found that heavy snoring significantly increases the risk of carotid artherosclerosis; the risk factor was independent of OSA. It appears that the vibrations on the pharyngeal walls are transmitted to the walls of the carotid artery. Ultrasound was used to measure the amount of plaque in the carotid arteries. The conclusion was that prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis was 20 percent with mild snoring, 32 percent with moderate snoring and 64 percent with heavy snoring. Therefore, patients must be made aware of this danger, so they can find a solution before increased atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries causes greater cardiovascular complications.