Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
08:35
Improved Renal Denervation Mitigated Hypertension Induced by Angiotensin II Infusion
Published on: May 26, 2022
Obstructive sleep apnoea, resistant hypertension and renal denervation
Adam Witkowski1, Jacek Kadziela
1Department of Interventional Cardiology and Angiology, Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland. witkowski@hbz.pl
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects 5-10% of people and is linked to resistant hypertension. Treating severe OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can help reverse its serious cardiovascular consequences.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Sleep apnoea affects 5-10% of the general population.
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is frequently associated with resistant hypertension.
- OSA is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events like heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant association between obstructive sleep apnoea and resistant hypertension.
- To underscore OSA's role as an independent cardiovascular risk factor.
- To discuss potential mechanisms linking OSA and cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis of OSA was based on polysomnography, defining it by an apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) >15 events/hour.
- The study population included patients with resistant hypertension.
- Literature review on mechanisms and treatments for OSA and cardiovascular disease.
Main Results:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea was diagnosed in 64% of patients with resistant hypertension.
- Mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction are implicated in the OSA-cardiovascular disease link.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is presented as a primary treatment for severe OSA.
Conclusions:
- There is a high prevalence of OSA in patients with resistant hypertension.
- OSA contributes significantly to cardiovascular risk.
- CPAP therapy is effective in managing severe OSA and mitigating its cardiovascular impact.
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