[Hypertension during obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]

Hypertension (HT) related to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is one of the secondary forms of HT. It must be systematically evoked in hypertensive patient because the association "obesity, major snoring and excessive diurnal sleepiness" is fickle during OSAS. HT in apneic patient is more often diastolic, nocturnal, with a non-dipper profile. Moreover, OSAS is very frequently present during resistant hypertension. There are many mechanisms linking OSAS to HT. The main stimulus is intermittent hypoxia and the most important pathophysiological consequence is high sympathetic activity. After doing the diagnosis of OSAS, its treatment principally associated lifestyle changes with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP can significantly decrease blood pressure, especially if compliance to treatment is good and hypertension is resistant.