OSA and High Blood Pressure

Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure

Sudden drops in oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure and place strain on the heart. If you have sleep apnea, your risk of high blood pressure can be up to two to three times greater than if you don’t. The more severe your sleep apnea, the greater the risk of high blood pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea also increases the risk of stroke, regardless of whether or not you have high blood pressure. Studies also show that sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of irregular heart rate, congestive heart failure and other heart diseases.