Sleep apnea and hypertension (high blood pressure) are interconnected medical conditions. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lead to low oxygen levels in the blood. Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated, putting extra stress on the heart and blood vessels.
Studies have shown that people with sleep apnea are more likely to develop hypertension and that treating sleep apnea can help lower high blood pressure. This is thought to be due to the repeated drops in oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea episodes, which trigger the release of stress hormones and lead to changes in the cardiovascular system that raise blood pressure.
Additionally, treating sleep apnea can improve the quality of sleep, which has been shown to lower blood pressure in some people. On the other hand, uncontrolled hypertension can also increase the risk of developing sleep apnea, creating a vicious cycle between the two conditions.
Additionally, treating sleep apnea can improve the quality of sleep, which has been shown to lower blood pressure in some people. On the other hand, uncontrolled hypertension can also increase the risk of developing sleep apnea, creating a vicious cycle between the two conditions.
Additionally, treating sleep apnea can improve the quality of sleep, which has been shown to lower blood pressure in some people. On the other hand, uncontrolled hypertension can also increase the risk of developing sleep apnea, creating a vicious cycle between the two conditions.