Sleeping like this at night? A doctor reveals the deadly health issue it might signal that you're ignoring!
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As we age, our sleep patterns can change, and sometimes new habits or discomforts can creep in. But did you know that the way you sleep could be a silent alarm for a serious health condition? It's true, and it's something that shouldn't be ignored, especially for those of us in the over-60s bracket who need to be extra vigilant about our health.
A leading cardiologist, Dr. Rosie Godeseth, Associate Medical Director at Vitality Health, has issued a warning that could be a game-changer for many. If you find yourself unable to sleep without a mountain of pillows elevating your head, it might be more than just a preference for comfort. This specific sleeping position could be a 'hidden' sign of a potentially deadly health condition: heart failure.
Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and can no longer pump blood efficiently throughout the body. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including debilitating fatigue, limb swelling, and sometimes extreme breathlessness due to fluid buildup in the lungs. It's this fluid that can make breathing difficult when lying flat, prompting many with heart failure to sleep propped up.
Dr. Godeseth explains, 'Sometimes people [with heart failure] will experience fluid buildup in the lungs which can make it hard to breathe when lying down. If you find yourself having to be propped up on pillows while you sleep or are waking up short of breath, see a doctor.'
The advice is clear: if you're experiencing these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They may suggest undergoing a sleep study, where health monitors are worn overnight, or heart function tests to get to the root of the problem.
The statistics around heart failure are sobering. In the UK, one million people live with the condition, with 200,000 new cases diagnosed each year. In the US, approximately 6.7 million adults are affected. Often, heart failure follows a heart attack or is the result of long-term high blood pressure and heart disease. The prognosis can be grim, with only half of those diagnosed living more than five years post-diagnosis, and many only learning of their condition after an emergency hospital admission.
While heart failure is a long-term condition that cannot be cured, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and death. Treatments range from medication to improve heart function to surgical interventions such as pacemakers or heart surgery to enhance blood flow.
The British Society for Heart Failure has even warned of a potential 'tsunami' of heart failure patients in the coming years, with an estimated 400,000 people in the UK possibly living with undiagnosed heart failure. This could overwhelm healthcare services if not addressed promptly.
Other symptoms of heart failure to watch out for include a persistent cough, bloating, a fast heart rate, and a loss of appetite. While these can be indicative of less serious conditions, it's always better to be safe and get them checked out.
Dr. Godeseth also emphasizes the importance of maintaining heart health through lifestyle choices. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can all contribute to a healthier heart. Exercise alone can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 35 percent by helping to regulate blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, and keep blood glucose levels stable.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, if you've noticed a change in your sleeping habits, particularly if you're propping yourself up with pillows to breathe easier at night, don't brush it off. It's not just about comfort; it could be a sign of something much more serious. Make sure to discuss any such changes with your doctor. After all, when it comes to your health, it's better to be proactive than reactive.
Have you or someone you know experienced similar symptoms? How do you manage your heart health? Share your stories and tips in the comments below – your insights could be invaluable to fellow readers navigating similar challenges.
A leading cardiologist, Dr. Rosie Godeseth, Associate Medical Director at Vitality Health, has issued a warning that could be a game-changer for many. If you find yourself unable to sleep without a mountain of pillows elevating your head, it might be more than just a preference for comfort. This specific sleeping position could be a 'hidden' sign of a potentially deadly health condition: heart failure.
Cardiologist Dr Rosie Godeseth warns that struggling to sleep without multiple pillows may signal heart failure. Credit: Shutterstock
Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and can no longer pump blood efficiently throughout the body. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including debilitating fatigue, limb swelling, and sometimes extreme breathlessness due to fluid buildup in the lungs. It's this fluid that can make breathing difficult when lying flat, prompting many with heart failure to sleep propped up.
Dr. Godeseth explains, 'Sometimes people [with heart failure] will experience fluid buildup in the lungs which can make it hard to breathe when lying down. If you find yourself having to be propped up on pillows while you sleep or are waking up short of breath, see a doctor.'
The advice is clear: if you're experiencing these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They may suggest undergoing a sleep study, where health monitors are worn overnight, or heart function tests to get to the root of the problem.
The statistics around heart failure are sobering. In the UK, one million people live with the condition, with 200,000 new cases diagnosed each year. In the US, approximately 6.7 million adults are affected. Often, heart failure follows a heart attack or is the result of long-term high blood pressure and heart disease. The prognosis can be grim, with only half of those diagnosed living more than five years post-diagnosis, and many only learning of their condition after an emergency hospital admission.
While heart failure is a long-term condition that cannot be cured, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and death. Treatments range from medication to improve heart function to surgical interventions such as pacemakers or heart surgery to enhance blood flow.
The British Society for Heart Failure has even warned of a potential 'tsunami' of heart failure patients in the coming years, with an estimated 400,000 people in the UK possibly living with undiagnosed heart failure. This could overwhelm healthcare services if not addressed promptly.
Other symptoms of heart failure to watch out for include a persistent cough, bloating, a fast heart rate, and a loss of appetite. While these can be indicative of less serious conditions, it's always better to be safe and get them checked out.
Dr. Godeseth also emphasizes the importance of maintaining heart health through lifestyle choices. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can all contribute to a healthier heart. Exercise alone can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 35 percent by helping to regulate blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, and keep blood glucose levels stable.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, if you've noticed a change in your sleeping habits, particularly if you're propping yourself up with pillows to breathe easier at night, don't brush it off. It's not just about comfort; it could be a sign of something much more serious. Make sure to discuss any such changes with your doctor. After all, when it comes to your health, it's better to be proactive than reactive.
