Yawning is a way to increase oxygen intake as well as stretch the lungs and facial muscles. A recent study warns that excessive yawning may be a sign of underlying heart conditions. While chest pain or discomfort may be clear warning signs of heart conditions like a heart attack, experts say some signs are often overlooked that may also be warning signs, such as excessive yawning. There is a close connection between excessive yawning and heart issues.

“Yawning is a physiological response of the brain that increases alertness in an individual and this is stimulated by a nerve called the vagus nerve,” says Dr Jagadesh Madireddi, consultant cardiologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad. “This nerve that regulates yawning in people is very closely associated with the heart, brain and gastrointestinal tract.”

As per studies, excessive yawning is seen in people sometimes before or after a stroke. Dr Chirag D, consultant, Interventional Cardiologist, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bangalore, adds, “The vagus nerve is important in regulating blood pressure and heart rate; excessive yawning may sometimes serve to excessively stimulate the vagus nerve. This has been seen in individuals with heart conditions or elevated vagus nerve tension, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), pericarditis (an inflammation of the outer heart lining), and aortic dissections. In these cases, yawning may operate similarly to a reflex response to cardiac stress.”

If an individual has excessive yawning accompanied by profuse sweating, it may be an early warning sign of heart disease. Hence, frequent yawning cannot be neglected as a common reflex, adds Dr Madireddi.

Dr Madireddi adds, “Excessive yawning can also be a side effect of certain medications like antidepressants. Such instances are very rare, and it does not mean yawning as such is dangerous for a person.”

“Most people yawn when they are bored, tired and transitioning from alertness to the sleep stage. However, excessive yawning refers to yawning that occurs frequently and uncontrollably and is considered excessive when it occurs dozens of times within an hour, usually has no apparent reason. This tends to warn the body of something worse,” he explains.

Researchers have pointed out that excessive or frequent yawning may be a sign of underlying health conditions like obesity and sleep deprivation.

Meanwhile, Dr Madireddi adds, “When yawning occurs with some warning signs such as sweating, headache or breathing difficulties, it can be a sign. If a person has started yawning excessively multiple times a day, then it could also mean gastrointestinal issues.”

The majority of the time, yawning is normal, but when yawning occurs repeatedly with physical discomfort, it can be a cause of concern. Dr Chirag rules out the following situations where excessive yawning may signal health concerns in individuals:

Excessive and unexplained yawning or yawning associated with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations, pre-syncope or syncope (fainting), or severe fatigue should not be ignored as it may be related to cardiovascular conditions.
Similarly, if excessive yawning is also associated with neurological symptoms such as sudden onset of weakness, problems with speech, seizures, or problems with memory disturbance, medical expertise is needed.
If it is due to side effects of medications, or even sleep apnea accompanied by fatigue, it should not be ignored.
Experts say people who may have identifiable risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of heart disease, or other cardiovascular risks, yawning excessively should not be ignored, particularly when it comes to cardiac-related issues.

Takeaways
Yawning is a common reflex in individuals and is a sign of fatigue. However, excessive yawning or yawning repeatedly may indicate heart problems.
Excessive yawning may sometimes serve to excessively stimulate the vagus nerve, which regulates blood pressure and heart rate.
Though yawning is harmless, experts say that if individuals experience excessive yawning accompanied by chest discomfort, profuse sweating, or palpitations, they should seek medical help.

This blog was originally published on https://www.happiesthealth.com/