Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertension

Hypertension is growing more prevalent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than in the general population. Because of the linked association between OSA and hypertension, patients are at an increased risk for stroke, heart failure, and premature death. The proposed study will explore the bidirectional relationship between OSA and hypertension, and the epidemiologic factors that are responsible for their correlation. The project will examine current methods regarding the treatment of high blood pressure in OSA patients, and it will discover other mechanisms that may be promising for treatment and abolishing apneas. The expected results of the project will allow healthcare professionals to have a better understanding of the link from OSA to hypertension and the preferred route of treating OSA so that hypertension and its related morbidities can be prevented. All patients that are currently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and have hypertension, as well as those with OSA who may be at risk for developing hypertension, will benefit from the findings of this project.