Common Nightly Habit That Can Increase Blood Pressure, Says Cardiologist

Frequent snoring, a common occurrence for many people, may be more than a nocturnal nuisance; it can be a significant indicator of cardiovascular risk. According to reporting from Metrópoles on May 1, 2026, this nighttime habit can contribute to the development and increase of blood pressure.

Firmino Haag, a cardiologist and coordinator of Hospital Albert Sabin (HAS) in São Paulo, explains that the link between snoring and hypertension is particularly strong when the habit is accompanied by fragmented sleep and pauses in breathing during the night.

The Biological Mechanism of Sleep-Related Hypertension

The increase in blood pressure associated with snoring and breathing interruptions is driven by a specific physiological response. When breathing is obstructed or paused, the body experiences repeated drops in oxygen levels.

These drops in oxygen trigger an increase in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response, which naturally elevates heart rate and constricts blood vessels to maintain oxygen flow to vital organs.

When this process occurs repeatedly throughout the night, the cardiovascular system remains in a state of heightened stress rather than entering the natural state of deceleration and pressure reduction typical of deep sleep. Over time, this chronic activation can lead to sustained high blood pressure, known as hypertension.

Impact on Vascular Health

The consequences of sustained high blood pressure extend beyond the numbers on a monitor. According to the report, high blood pressure impairs the health of blood vessels, which can eventually contribute to damages or the rupture of these structures.

This vascular damage increases the risk of more severe cardiovascular events, as the arteries lose their elasticity and become more susceptible to injury under the constant pressure of blood flow.

The Broader Context of Hypertension in Brazil

The identification of snoring as a risk factor comes at a time when hypertension remains a widespread public health challenge. Data cited in the reporting indicates that high blood pressure affects about 30% of the Brazilian population.

While habits like snoring and sleep apnea are critical triggers, hypertension typically results from a combination of genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors. Factors that contribute to the prevalence of the condition include:

• Obesity
• Sedentarism
• Unhealthy dietary routines
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress

The interplay between these lifestyle factors and sleep disorders can create a compounding effect. For example, obesity is often both a cause of obstructive snoring and a primary driver of hypertension, further increasing the cardiovascular burden on the patient.

Because hypertension is often a silent condition—meaning it may not present obvious symptoms until it reaches advanced stages—monitoring nighttime habits and sleep quality can serve as an important early warning system for cardiovascular health.