In a nutshell
This study examined the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The authors concluded that CPAP treatment resulted in reduced blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension and OSA.
Some background
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when the airways become completely or partially blocked during sleep. The symptoms of OSA include snoring, night sweats and waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat. This condition can reduce the flow of oxygen to the organs and may lead to an irregular heartbeat, which can result in elevated blood pressure.
OSA is an identified cause of hypertension. Patients with hypertension have a higher resting blood pressure than the body needs. The blood pressure needs to be lowered to avoid complications such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Resistant hypertension, where blood pressure is consistently higher than 140/90 mm Hg, usually requires treatment with three or more drugs. There is a high rate of OSA seen in patients with resistant hypertension.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for OSA. This treatment involves the patient receiving mild air pressure continuously from a ventilator to keep the airways open. There is some evidence to suggest that CPAP treatment may reduce blood pressure.
Methods & findings
The authors combined data from a total of 6 studies to examine the effect of CPAP treatment on patients with OSA and resistant hypertension. 329 patients with OSA and resistant hypertension were included in this analysis.
24 hour systolic blood pressure (SBP – pressure when the heart is contracting) was reduced by 7.21 mm Hg with CPAP treatment. 24 hour diastolic blood pressure (DBP – pressure when the heart is between beats) was reduced by 4.99 mm Hg.
Nighttime SBP was reduced by 6.79 mm Hg and nighttime DBP was reduced by 3.67 mm Hg.
Longer duration of CPAP treatment lead to a greater reduction in DBP.
The bottom line
This study concluded that CPAP treatment for sleep apnea can result in a decrease in blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension.
The fine print
Factors that may affect blood pressure levels such as smoking habits, obesity and current treatments were not recorded in all studies.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician to explore your treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea and resistant hypertension.
Published By :
Journal of hypertension
Date :
Sep 19, 2014
