The Overlooked Risk Factor: A Cardiologist’s Warning on Poor Sleep

When we discuss risk factors for heart disease, we typically list high cholesterol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. However, a growing body of evidence, supported by warnings from cardiologists, indicates that we must add poor sleep to this list of primary threats. Overlooking this risk factor can have serious, life-altering consequences.
Cardiologists explain that sleep deprivation is not a passive condition but an active aggressor against the cardiovascular system. It directly contributes to the development of chronic hypertension by preventing the natural, restorative drop in blood pressure that should occur every night. This makes it a foundational risk factor, as hypertension is a gateway to numerous other heart problems.
Furthermore, poor sleep acts as an accelerant for atherosclerosis. By increasing systemic inflammation, it creates an environment where plaque can build up in the arteries more rapidly. This is compounded by the metabolic disruption it causes, leading to higher levels of “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, further fueling the plaque-forming process.
The link is so strong that clinicians are now urged to screen for sleep issues when assessing a patient’s cardiovascular risk. If you have other risk factors for heart disease, such as a family history or high blood pressure, making quality sleep a top priority is one of the most effective preventative strategies you can adopt. Don’t underestimate this powerful, yet often ignored, key to heart health.