The Correlation Between Sleep and Coronary Heart Disease: A Review

Coronary heart disease (CHD), which is characterized by the coronary arteries narrowing or becoming obstructed due to atherosclerosis, leads to myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, or necrosis. Owing to an aging population and lifestyle changes, the incidence of CHD and subsequent mortality rates continue to rise, making CHD one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, and genetic factors are considered major risk factors for CHD; however, these factors do not fully explain the complexity and diversity in the etiology of CHD. Sleep, an indispensable part of human physiological processes, is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health. In recent years, the rapid pace of modern life has led to an increasing number of patients experiencing an insufficient amount of sleep, declining sleep quality, and sleep disorders. Therefore, the correlation between sleep and CHD has become a focal point in current research. This review aims to address the relationship between sleep duration, quality, and sleep disorder-related diseases with CHD and emphasizes potential underlying mechanisms and possible clinical implications. Moreover, this review aimed to provide a theoretical basis and clinical guidance for the prevention and treatment of CHD.