People who snore have been shown to have increased rates of hypertension (elevated blood pressure) when compared to those who do not snore. Studies have also documented a positive correlation between loud snoring and the risk of heart attack and stroke. One 2008 study found that “objectively measured heavy snoring is an independent risk factor for early carotid atherosclerosis and stroke.” Another study evaluated over 1500 patients who suffered acute myocardial infarcts (heart attacks) and found that “heavy snoring is associated with case fatality…in patients with a first acute myocardial infarction.”