16 Dec Blood Pressure: Effect of CPAP in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Miguel-Ángel Martínez-García
Respiratory Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe
Valencia, Spain
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of this study:
Answer: The main findings of the study are:
1. The treatment with CPAP
(continuous positive airway pressure) achieves a clinically and
statistically significant reduction of blood pressure in patients with
resistant hypertension (blood pressure that remains above goal in spite of
the use of at least three antihypertensive drugs) and obstructive sleep
apnea.
2. This treatment increases the probability of recovering the normal
nocturnal blood pressure pattern (dipper pattern) or reversing the riser
pattern.
3. The prevalence of sleep apnea in patients with resistant hypertension is very high (more than 80%).
The main implication of this study is very clear. Patients with
resistant hypertension must undergo a sleep study to rule out obstructive
sleep apnea. If the patient have an apnea-hypopnea index >15 (at least
moderate sleep apnea) should be treated with CPAP and undergo a blood
pressure monitorization.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the Take-Home messages for patients and health care providers?
Answer:
-1. The prevalence of sleep apnea in patients with resistant hypertension is very high.
-2. Treatment with CPAP is effective in decrease in a clinically significant way the blood pressure in these patients.
-3. Patients with resistant hypertension must undergo a sleep study independently of the presence of sleep apnea symptoms) daytime hypersomnolence).
Effect of CPAP on Blood Pressure in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
and Resistant HypertensionThe HIPARCO Randomized Clinical Trial
Citation:
Last Updated on November 26, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD