Obstructive Sleep Apnea, High Blood Pressure, and Heart Risks: Causes, Effects, and Treatments

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an elevated risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

• Multiple factors, including neurohormonal changes, impaired blood vessel function, and inflammation, contribute to the relationship between OSA and increased vascular risk.
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduces blood pressure but does not show a reduction in cardiovascular risk on its own.
• Combining CPAP with weight loss may have a synergistic effect on lowering blood pressure and improving various metabolic health markers.
• Poor adherence to CPAP therapy is common, which may diminish the perceived cardiovascular benefits of the treatment.
• Focusing on improving adherence to CPAP and promoting weight loss is important for reducing cardiovascular risk in individuals with OSA.

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