The aim was to assess the arterial stiffness changes in patients with resistant arterial hypertension (AH) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and possibilities of its correction by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)-therapy.
Design:
In 10 month follow-up study were included 46 patients with RAH, who were divided into groups: 1-st - patients with RAH and moderate to severe OSA on CPAP (n=21); 2-nd - patients with RAH and moderate to severe OSA without CPAP (n=25). They underwent somnography by dual-channel portable monitor device, office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, echocardiography and applanation tonometry. All patients received similar antihypertensive therapy according to 2013 ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension.
Results:
Patients with RAH and OSA (mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) 36.5±2.7 event h-1) in comparison with patients with RAH without OSA (mean AHI 3.4±0.2 event h-1) had significantly higher body mass index (34.2±0.7 vs 31.6±0.7 kg m-2, P<0.05), uric acid level (6.7±0.1 vs 5.6±0.4 mg dl-1, P<0,05)). Patients with RAH and OSA in comparison with patients with RAH without OSA had higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWVcf) (12.1±0.5 vs 10.2 m s-1, P<0,05) and central systolic blood pressure (CSBP) (143.8±2.7 vs 136.2±3.4 mm Hg, P<0,05). During 10 months follow-up in patients with RAH and moderate and sever OSA on CPAP-therapy there were significantly decrease of PWVcf (from 12.1±0.5 to 10.5±0.5 m s-1, P<0,05), decrease office systolic blood pressure (from 147.8±3.7 to 136.7±2.8 mm Hg; P<0,05) and diastolic blood pressure (from 96.8±3.5 to 87.0±3.3 mm Hg; P<0,05) with achievement of target levels in 67,2% patients. Central systolic BP decreased (from 143.8±2.7 to 137.7±2.8 mm Hg; P<0,05).
Conclusion:
The combination of therapy continuous positive airway pressure with antihypertensive treatment in patients with resistant arterial hypertension and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea improved achievement of target blood pressure, decreased arterial stiffness and decreased central blood pressure.
Association between arterial stiffness and obstructive sleep apnea in patients with arterial hypertension and continuous positive airway pressure therapy
