A Vietnamese folk proverb states, "Eat simple crab, snore soundly; eat rich beef, worry endlessly." According to Dr. Pham Anh Ngan from University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3, this saying reflects a simple, carefree lifestyle and inner peace. Traditionally, snoring was often equated with deep, restful sleep.
However, frequent snoring can sometimes be a warning sign of underlying health issues that should not be overlooked.
Why do we snore?
Snoring is a hoarse or rattling sound produced when air passes through soft tissues in the throat. As individuals fall into deeper sleep, the muscles of the soft palate, tongue, and throat relax.
These tissues can relax enough to partially obstruct the airway, causing them to vibrate. A narrower airway intensifies the airflow, increasing tissue vibration and leading to louder snoring.
Who is at high risk of snoring?
Medical studies indicate several contributing risk factors for snoring, including:
Gender: Men have a higher incidence of snoring or sleep apnea than women.
Overweight and obesity: Overweight individuals are more prone to snoring or sleep apnea due to easily obstructed airway structures.
Narrow airway structure: Some individuals have a naturally long soft palate, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can narrow the airway and cause snoring.
Alcohol consumption: Alcohol relaxes throat muscles, directly increasing the risk of snoring.
Nasal issues: Individuals with structural airway defects, such as a deviated nasal septum, or chronic nasal congestion, have a higher risk of snoring.
Genetic factors: A family history of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea is a potential risk factor.
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Snoring can be an early warning sign of many serious health problems. Photo: Somnifix
The dangerous link between snoring and cardiovascular disease
According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, 3rd edition (ICSD-3), snoring is categorized as a sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD). It is also the primary clinical symptom used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Numerous studies highlight obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as an independent, modifiable factor that increases the risk of coronary artery disease. Epidemiological research and meta-analyses confirm that OSA is strongly linked to a higher incidence of myocardial infarction, accelerated atherosclerosis, and increased long-term mortality.
Intermittent hypoxia and fragmented sleep trigger sympathetic nervous system overactivity. This process leads to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and prothrombotic changes. These factors collectively accelerate atherosclerosis and destabilize coronary atherosclerotic plaques.
Clinically, OSA not only increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease but also negatively impacts patient prognosis following acute coronary syndrome and revascularization procedures.
When to seek medical attention?
Snoring is not merely a harmless habit. If you snore regularly and experience symptoms such as:
Fatigue after waking in the morning.
Frequent daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating at work.
Pre-existing conditions like hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
In these cases, snoring may indicate more serious health problems. Individuals should seek early medical evaluation and timely treatment.
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