[Hypertension and obstructive sleep apnoea]

Abstract

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is associated with repeated episodes of hypoxia, arousals and considerable haemodynamic changes during sleep. There is an established causal link between OSA and cardiovascular disease, in particular hypertension. The mechanisms responsible include altered autonomic activity, neuroendocrine vascular control, metabolic derangement, and vascular endothelial dysfunction. OSA is a treatable condition frequently occurring in association with other cardiovascular risk factors that should be considered in the context of hypertension.