（来源：CGTN）

在很多人眼中，打鼾只是夜间睡眠的“小插曲”，是无关紧要的习惯，最多困扰一下身边人。但最新科学研究表明，这种看似无害的现象，可能是心脏发出的“健康警报”——习惯性打鼾，或与心血管疾病风险升高密切相关。严重的打鼾往往是阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停（OSA）的标志，在房颤患者中，合并OSA的比例高达40%-60%。反过来，OSA患者发生房颤的风险是普通人的2-4倍。

随着睡眠障碍成为全球范围内日益突出的健康问题，医学专家多次提醒：重视打鼾，读懂它与心脏健康的关联，才能早发现风险、远离长期并发症。

Snoring is often dismissed as a harmless nighttime habit – a minor inconvenience for sleepers and their partners. But mounting scientific evidence suggests it may be far more than a simple annoyance. In some cases, habitual snoring could signal an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

With sleep disorders increasingly recognized as a growing global health concern, medical experts are urging the public to take snoring more seriously. Understanding the connection between snoring, obstructive sleep apnea and heart health may help identify risks earlier and prevent long-term complications.

 常见打鼾背后 

 藏着“隐形健康杀手” 

打鼾的本质，是睡眠时气流被咽喉部软组织部分堵塞，引发振动产生的声音。偶尔打鼾无需过度担心，但如果打鼾持续、响亮且不规律，就可能指向一种严重的睡眠障碍——阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停（OSA）。

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停的核心特征，是睡眠中呼吸反复暂停，每次暂停时长从几秒到半分钟不等，每晚可发生数十次甚至上百次。由于这类症状发生在睡眠中，很多人自身毫无察觉，往往是家人最先发现异常。

多项全球人群研究证实，阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停与心血管疾病存在强关联：患有该病症的人，发生心脏病、中风等重大心血管事件的风险，比普通人高出约80%，且病情越严重，风险越高。

Snoring occurs when airflow becomes partially obstructed during sleep, causing soft tissues in the throat to vibrate. Occasional snoring is common and harmless. However, persistent, loud or irregular snoring may indicate a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

OSA is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses may last from a few seconds to over half a minute and can occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night. Many individuals are unaware of these interruptions, as they happen during sleep and are often first noticed by family members.

Large population-based studies have demonstrated a strong association between OSA and cardiovascular disease. Some analyses suggest that individuals with OSA may face approximately an 80 percent higher risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. The risk increases further as the severity of the condition worsens.

 夜间每一次呼吸暂停 

 都是对心脏的“无声消耗” 

打鼾看似是“机械性噪音”，但其背后的生理变化，正在悄悄损伤心血管系统。

每当呼吸暂停发生时，身体会立刻启动应激反应，哪怕只有短短几秒，也会给心脏带来负担：

• 血氧水平骤降，心脏供氧不足

• 大脑触发“微觉醒”，强行恢复呼吸

• 肾上腺素等应激激素大量释放

• 血压突然飙升

• 心率剧烈波动

这种“短暂应激”每晚反复发生，会让心血管系统长期处于“超负荷运转”状态。久而久之，血管会逐渐硬化，高血压会转为持续性，心脏负荷也会不断增加，甚至可能诱发房颤等心律失常。

Although snoring may seem like a simple mechanical issue, the underlying physiology is far more complex.

Each time breathing is interrupted, the body experiences a brief but significant stress response:

● Blood oxygen levels drop.

● The brain triggers a "micro-awakening" to restore breathing.

● Stress hormones such as adrenaline are released.

● Blood pressure rises abruptly.

● The heart rate fluctuates.

These events may last only seconds, but when repeated night after night, they place continuous strain on the cardiovascular system.

Over time, this chronic stress can lead to structural and functional changes, including stiffened blood vessels, persistent hypertension and increased cardiac workload. Emerging evidence also suggests a link between sleep apnea and abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation.

心脏展示模型。图：ICphoto

 不止伤心脏 

 它还在悄悄影响全身健康 

未经治疗的阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停，危害远不止于心脏，而是会波及全身多个系统。

研究显示，它还与这些健康问题密切相关：

• 高血压：夜间血压反复骤升，易发展为顽固性高血压

• 代谢异常：睡眠紊乱影响葡萄糖代谢，增加2型糖尿病风险

• 认知下降：睡眠质量差，导致记忆力、注意力明显减退

• 心理问题：长期睡眠不足，易引发焦虑、易怒、抑郁

• 安全隐患：日间极度嗜睡，显著增加交通事故、职业事故概率

这也提醒我们：睡眠质量从来不是“奢侈品”，而是维持全身健康的“基石”。

The consequences of untreated sleep apnea extend beyond the heart.

Research has linked the condition to a range of health issues, including:

● Hypertension: Repeated nighttime blood pressure spikes can evolve into sustained high blood pressure.

● Metabolic disorders: Disrupted sleep may impair glucose metabolism and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

● Cognitive effects: Poor sleep quality can affect memory, attention and decision-making.

● Mental health: Anxiety, irritability and depression are more common in individuals with chronic sleep disruption.

● Safety risks: Daytime sleepiness is associated with a higher likelihood of traffic and occupational accidents.

Taken together, these findings highlight that sleep quality is a cornerstone of overall health – not a luxury.

 出现这些症状 

 一定要及时就医 

并非所有打鼾都有风险，但如果伴随以下信号，就可能是阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停的预警，需尽快寻求医学帮助：

• 睡眠中呼吸明显暂停，甚至出现憋气

• 夜间频繁喘息、呛咳，影响睡眠

• 白天极度嗜睡，哪怕睡够8小时也疲惫不堪

• 晨起频繁头痛，且难以缓解

• 注意力难以集中，记忆力明显下降

• 高血压难以控制，服药效果不佳

由于这些症状多发生在睡眠中，家人的观察和提醒，往往是早期发现的关键。

While not all snoring is dangerous, certain symptoms should prompt medical attention:

● Noticeable pauses in breathing during sleep.

● Gasping or choking sounds at night.

● Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue.

● Morning headaches.

● Difficulty concentrating.

● High blood pressure that is difficult to control.

Because many of these signs occur during sleep, awareness from partners or family members can be crucial for early detection.

医生为患者测量血压。图：ICphoto

 这些人群  风险更高需警惕 

以下几类人群，患上阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停及相关心血管并发症的风险，远高于普通人：

• 40岁以上的成年人

• 超重或肥胖人群（尤其是腹部肥胖）

• 已有高血压、心血管疾病病史者

• 长期久坐、缺乏运动的人

• 经常饮酒，尤其是睡前饮酒者

此外，气道狭窄、扁桃体肥大、鼻腔阻塞等生理结构问题，也会增加患病风险。随着全球肥胖率上升和人口老龄化加剧，未来阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停的患病率还将持续上升。

Certain groups are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea and related complications:

● Adults over the age of 40.

● Individuals who are overweight or obese.

● People with hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

● Those with sedentary lifestyles.

● Individuals who consume alcohol regularly, especially before sleep.

In addition, anatomical factors such as a narrow airway, enlarged tonsils or nasal obstruction may also increase risk.

With global rates of obesity and aging populations rising, the prevalence of sleep apnea – and related snoring – is expected to increase in the coming decades.

石家庄市，红十字会急救人员在当地学校指导学生进行心肺复苏操作。图：视觉中国

 应对打鼾 

 从生活调整到专业治疗都有效 

值得庆幸的是，无论是单纯打鼾还是阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停，大多能通过科学方式有效管理。

（一）生活方式调整：简单易行，效果显著

减重是最有效的干预手段之一——研究表明，即使是适度减重，也能大幅减轻睡眠呼吸暂停的严重程度。

除此之外，这些日常调整也能缓解症状：

• 坚持侧卧睡眠，避免仰卧（可减少气道堵塞）

• 睡前避免饮酒、服用镇静类药物

• 保持规律作息，避免熬夜、睡眠不足

• 及时缓解鼻塞、过敏症状，保持气道通畅

这些方法虽未必能完全消除打鼾，但能有效降低其严重程度，减少对心脏的潜在伤害。

（二）专业治疗：针对性解决中重度问题

对于中重度阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停，持续气道正压通气（CPAP）治疗是目前最有效的方式。这类设备通过持续输送稳定气流，确保睡眠时气道始终通畅，从根源上解决呼吸暂停问题。

研究证实，坚持使用CPAP设备（每晚使用数小时），能显著降低心血管疾病风险，同时改善日间嗜睡、头痛等症状，提升生活质量。

对于无法耐受CPAP治疗的患者，医生会根据其生理结构和病情，推荐口腔矫治器、手术等替代方案。

Many cases of snoring and sleep apnea can be effectively managed.

Lifestyle changes

Weight reduction is one of the most impactful interventions. Studies show that even modest weight loss can significantly reduce the severity of sleep apnea.

Other practical measures include:

● Sleeping on your side rather than your back.

● Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime.

● Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

● Addressing nasal congestion or allergies.

These steps may not eliminate snoring entirely but can substantially reduce its severity.

Medical treatment

For moderate to severe sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the most effective treatment. CPAP devices deliver a steady stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep.

Research indicates that consistent use of CPAP can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk and improve quality of life, particularly when used for several hours each night.

For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, alternatives such as oral appliances or surgical options may be considered, depending on individual anatomy and clinical needs.

医生在病人头部放置电极进行多导睡眠监测。图：视觉中国

 早发现、早干预 

 才能守护心脏健康 

目前，阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停的最大问题在于“诊断不足”——很多人患病多年却毫无察觉，任由心脏等器官持续受损，最终引发严重并发症。

医学专家建议，有持续性打鼾，尤其是伴随上述风险因素或预警症状的人，应主动进行睡眠评估。评估通常包括夜间睡眠监测，精准检测呼吸模式、血氧水平等指标，明确诊断。

早期诊断、及时干预，不仅能缓解打鼾，更能有效降低心血管疾病风险，守护全身健康。

One of the biggest challenges with sleep apnea is that most people don't know they have it. Years can pass without diagnosis, allowing complications to quietly develop.

Health experts recommend that anyone with persistent snoring, especially those with risk factors, consider a sleep evaluation. This typically involves overnight monitoring to assess breathing patterns, oxygen levels and sleep quality.

Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which in turn reduces health risks.

图：视觉中国

 健康启示：别让打鼾，偷走你的心脏健康 

打鼾从来不是“小事”，而是身体发出的“健康信号”。随着全球医学对睡眠障碍的研究不断深入，睡眠质量与心血管健康的关联已愈发清晰。

关注打鼾，不仅是为了自己和家人的睡眠安宁，更是预防慢性疾病、守护心脏健康的重要一步。

愿每一个夜晚都能远离喧嚣鼾声，愿每一次呼吸都能为心脏注入活力——好睡眠，才是最好的“护心剂”。

As research into sleep disorders advances, the link between sleep quality and heart health is becoming harder to ignore.

Addressing snoring is becoming part of a larger effort to prevent chronic disease and build healthier habits.

A night without nasal noises isn't just about peace and quiet. It's about giving your ticker a break – literally.