The association and mechanism between obstructive sleep apnea and systemic/pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Sleep apnea and hypertension are known to be closely related to the development of the cardiovascular disease, so these diseases must be treated properly. Moreover, it has been continuously reported that sleep apnea syndrome and hypertension are highly correlated, and they share not only many risk factors such as obesity, but also some pathophysiological mechanisms. The ultimate aim of treatment for hypertension is not simply to lower blood pressure but to prevent cardiovascular diseases such as angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and death. Sleep apnea treatment is similarly aimed at preventing related complications and lowering mortality by controlling many risk factors including the occurrence of hypertension. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of the relationship between sleep apnea and hypertension. Thereby we can understand why physicians should pay more attention and why they should treat sleep apnea.