According to new research, snoring can increase your risk of developing heart disease. The findings – published in Journal Sleep, a specialist medical journal – demonstrated a significant link between loud snoring and heart disease and strokes.

Hungarian scientists interviewed more than 12,000 patients in their homes to gather this information, which found that people who snored heavily were at a significantly higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke than the rest of the population.

The research demonstrated that people who snored loudly were 34% more likely to have a heart attack compared to the rest of the population, and they were a massive 67% more likely to suffer from a stroke. However, people who snored lightly were found to have no increased risk from either of these conditions. Researchers pinpointed the people who would be more at risk from heart disease or strokes by monitoring their breathing, as those with breathing pauses are more likely to develop them.

Scientists had previously noticed a link between snoring and dangerous cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, so this new Hungarian study adds weight to existing arguments. In addition to this research, snoring has also been linked to a string of other health conditions. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even throat conditions such as bronchitis.

Snoring is nothing to be ashamed of; it's thought that we all snore at some time during our life. The condition is generally more common in overweight people, and it is surprisingly common. Indeed, it is estimated that around 40% of men and 24% of women are regular snorers.

Snoring is a major problem in the UK, which has a negative effect on both snorers and their partners. As the sound of snoring can sometimes reach up to 100 decibels, it can cause severe sleep deprivation in a massive 97% of partners, leading to tiredness, irritability, headaches and nausea. In fact, it is claimed that many partners of snorers get just 3 – 5 hours worth of sleep every night.

If you suffer from this condition, you'll probably have already realised that stopping snoring can be highly beneficial for your health. National Stop Snoring Week takes place on the 21st to the 26th April, so why not try and give up your nasty habit then? Visit your local stop snoring clinic for help and friendly advice.