New research shows that short-term continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may have little affect on blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and hypertension. Researchers from Spain compared blood pressure readings of 68 patients with OSAS and hypertension who were receiving treatment with antihypertensive medication. Patients were randomly assigned to receive therapeutic or subtherapeutic CPAP for four weeks. Antihypertensive treatment was not changed for either group. Baseline scores for sleep apnea, as well as comorbidities, blood pressure, and CPAP compliance, were similar between the groups. Results showed that there were no significant changes in systolic, diastolic, daytime, or nighttime blood pressure for either group. Researchers conclude that short-term CPAP has little impact on patients with OSAS and well-controlled hypertension. The study appears in the June issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Contact: Jennifer Stawarz

American College of Chest Physicians