Nasal polyposis as a risk factor for hypertension

Arterial hypertension was found in 78 of 224 consecutive patients operated for nasal polyposis. An exacerbated degree of hypertension was significant in groups aged above 50 years. In total, 46% of patients whose nasal polyposis was of a duration of more than 10 years suffered from hypertension. Fifty of 78 patients developed hypertension after nasal polyposis was established and the mean duration time from polyposis to hypertension was 11.1 years. Hypertension was established in 50% of patients suffering from the triad asthma, intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid and nasal polyposis. In analogy with knowledge that sleep apnoea and snoring are aetiological factors for arterial hypertension, we propose that long-standing nasal obstruction by nasal polyposis be a risk factor for arterial hypertension.