Sleep apnea and hypertension: interactions and implications for management.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 4 Americans at risk for OSA. In recent years, there has been a large body of work assessing the role of OSA as an independent risk factor for hypertension. Certain patient characteristics, such as age and the type of elevated blood pressure, may confer increased likelihood that the hypertension is secondary to underlying sleep apnea. Furthermore, early diagnosis and treatment of OSA may be beneficial in the management of hypertensive patients, particularly in those with poorly controlled hypertension. The focus of this brief review is on recent developments in the characteristics and treatment of sleep apnea– associated hypertension. Because of space limitations, only limited references are provided.