ABSTRACT
It is well accepted that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for hypertension. In the subgroup of patients with resistant hypertension (rHTN), OSA appears to be particularly rampant; suggesting sleep disordered breathing may contribute to pathological mechanisms that make blood pressure difficult to control. This article explores potential mechanisms by which sleep apnea contributes to rHTN, and examines the impact of treating OSA with positive airway pressure therapy on blood pressure control. In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in randomized controlled trials of positive airway pressure therapy in patients with OSA and rHTN, because patients with rHTN respond poorly to medications. As a result, identifying novel targets for blood pressure control in this high-risk population has become paramount.
Financial and competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.