Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review of recent literature pertains to the growing evidence that obstructive sleep apnea contributes to the development of systemic hypertension and congestive heart failure.
RECENT FINDINGS
There is irrefutable evidence that OSA causes systemic hypertension and that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of OSA causes a reduction in blood pressure. Moreover there is evidence that untreated OSA is associated with left ventricular diastolic and systolic failure and that treatment with CPAP improves systolic function.
SUMMARY
OSA should be considered in patients with systemic hypertension or heart failure.
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