OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP-APNEA AS A RISK FACTOR FOR HYPERTENSION

It is controversial whether obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a risk f actor for hypertension as previous reviews of the subject have emphasi zed the confounding effect of obesity. We examined evidence from recen t studies to reassess this debate. Cross-sectional studies from sleep clinic population (Sydney Sleep Cohort, Gothenburg Sleep Clinic Cohort ), community sample (Busselton Sleep Survey, Wisconsin Sleep Cohort) a nd obese population (Swedish Obese Subjects Study) provide stronger ev idence that the relationship between sleep apnoea and hypertension is an independent one. Moreover recent studies looking at the effect of s leep apnoea treatment have demonstrated a fall in blood pressure indep endent of weight change. More definitive studies are required but rece nt data provide increasing evidence that OSA is an independent risk fa ctor for hypertension.