NOCTURNAL HYPERTENSION AND SLEEP-APNEA - APNEA-INDUCED BLOOD-PRESSUREINCREASES DURING NREM AND REM-SLEEP

Studies revealed that Sleep Related Breathing Disorders (SRBD) are cha racterized by an increased cardiovascular risk. This study was perform ed to describe invasive hemodynamic changes in obstructive sleep apnea s standardized by vigilance and length on digital data basis. Increase s in blood pressure caused by SRBD could be documented with the highes t amount during REM. sleep (systolic/diastolic bp 150/73 mmHg in REM-S leep vs 134/69 mmHg in NREM-Sleep). Systolic blood,pressure elevations of more than 60 mmHg during apneas in REM sleep are comparable to 75- 100 Watt bicycle exercise rest. Antihypertensive therapy must refer to these blood pressure elevations in patients suspected of SRBD (snorin g/apneas).