Sleep deprivation destroys the heart faster than fatty foods. Russian cardiologist Elvira Khachirova stated that chronic sleep deprivation and sleep apnea are more dangerous for the cardiovascular system than unhealthy diet.
The expert debunked the myth about the harm of bad cholesterol, butter, and lard: "This is an outdated approach. We are losing young patients due to insomnia and breathing problems. Thin people who avoid fatty foods but work 60 hours a week have a higher risk of heart attack than those who sleep eight hours and love steak."
During apnea, a person cannot breathe for 10-60 seconds. Blood oxygen levels drop to a critical 60-70%, followed by a powerful release of adrenaline and cortisol, rapid heart rate, and sharp rise in blood pressure. This repeats many times during the night, with the heart experiencing 200-400 "micro-heart attacks" per night.
People with apnea have a four times higher risk of hypertension. Chronic sleep deprivation increases heart attack risk by 45%, and severe apnea triples the risk of sudden death during sleep. The expert recommends consulting a doctor for treatment after diagnosis.
