Ventricular arrhythmia
Why do people die from bangungot? It may be due to how Brugada syndrome affects the heart.
Brugada syndrome results in abnormal heart rhythm, which leads to irregular heartbeats in the ventricles or the lower chambers of the heart. This is called ventricular arrhythmia, which can cause a variety of effects, including:
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden death
This normally occurs when an individual is resting or sleeping. Structural abnormalities in the heart, an imbalance in the chemicals sending signals through the body, and use of prescription medicines could be the reason why people die from bangungot.
Acute Pancreatitis
Other research suggests that sudden death while sleeping occurs as a result of acute pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which is situated behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. The pancreas is a gland that produces enzymes, which facilitate digestion and hormones that help process sugar.
Acute pancreatitis may be caused by alcoholism, certain medications, gallstones, or high levels of calcium or triglycerides in the blood. Acute pancreatitis appears suddenly and may last for days. In severe cases, bleeding may occur within or around the pancreas. This condition, called hemorrhagic pancreatitis, is a life-threatening emergency.
This condition may also explain why people die from bangungot, with the caveat that this condition causing sudden death is very uncommon.
Key Takeaways
Why do people die from bangungot? Some suggest that eating a lot before sleeping may cause bangungot.
Certain conditions may indeed develop when you head to bed soon after you eat dinner. For instance, people with underlying medical issues may experience discomfort or indigestion, making sleep difficult.
While unrelated to digestion, another possible answer to ‘why do people die from bangungot’ is Brugada syndrome, which causes abnormal heart rhythm. Bangungot may also be caused by acute pancreatitis, which causes inflammation of the pancreas.
Learn about other Digestive Health issues here.
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