There are many factors related to sleep that affect health, but does sleeping on your stomach directly impact breathing and increase the risk of a heart attack? Let’s explore.

Dr. Amit Gangwani, a consultant interventional cardiologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital, explained that heart blockages are primarily caused by the buildup of excessive fat and cholesterol around the arteries. “A lack of continuous blood flow to the tissues in the heart muscle can lead to cell death, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis to prevent further complications,” Dr. Gangwani said.

However, Dr. Gangwani clarified that there is no direct link between sleeping on the stomach and an increased risk of heart attack. “A heart attack is a serious condition that occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is significantly disrupted or completely blocked,” he noted.

Dr. Varsha Koul, senior consultant in cardiology at Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, agreed, adding that “Based on current research, a person’s sleeping position is not widely recognized as a risk factor for heart disease or other cardiovascular issues.”

That said, sleeping on the stomach can impact other parts of the body, causing difficulty in breathing and putting extra pressure on the spine.

Dr. Naveen Chandra G S, HOD and lead consultant of the department of interventional cardiology at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, observed that while a direct connection between sleeping on the stomach and heart attacks isn’t definitively established, “stomach sleepers may be more prone to heart problems.”

“When you lie face down, it puts pressure on the chest and abdomen, which might restrict blood flow and make your heart work less efficiently. Additionally, this position can increase spinal and nerve pressures, leading to overall stress and discomfort that could negatively impact cardiovascular health,” Dr. Chandra explained.

It’s important to note that difficulty in breathing is a warning sign of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and angina. “This sleeping position can be problematic for people with respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” Dr. Gangwani said.

While sleeping position alone is unlikely to be the sole cause of heart attacks, Dr. Chandra mentioned that it could be a contributing factor, especially in people with existing heart conditions or other risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.

To maintain better heart health, it’s important to keep the spine neutral while sleeping, which is best achieved by lying on your back or side with proper support. “Additionally, leading a lifestyle that promotes good cardiac function—by exercising regularly, eating healthy, and managing stress—goes a long way in reducing the chances of cardiac-related problems,” Dr. Chandra advised.