The Role of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in the Treatment of Hypertension in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypoapnea Syndrome: A Review of Randomized Trials

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypoapnea syndrome (OSA) is a disorder that results in repetitive occlusion of the airway and hypoxemia during sleep. Epidemiologic studies have associated this disorder with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Systemic hypertension is prevalent among patients with OSA and it has been recognized as a common identifiable cause of hypertension. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) ventilation is an effective therapy for OSA and may also reduce blood pressure. The use of nCPAP ventilation to treat hypertension in patients with OSA has been studied extensively. However, whether it is effective in treating hypertension in this population remains unclear. This review evaluates the recent literature that investigates the effects of nCPAP ventilation on hypertension in patients with OSA.