Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:54
A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans
Published on: December 22, 2016
Association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and blood pressure variability: a meta-analysis
Huijia Lei1, Bo Kong2, Yanwei Lv3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Frontiers in Medicine
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) significantly increases blood pressure variability (BPV), especially at night. This association, though observed, has low to very low certainty of evidence, requiring cautious interpretation due to study heterogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is linked to heightened cardiovascular risk.
- Blood pressure variability (BPV) is an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- The precise relationship between OSAS and BPV remains incompletely defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the association between OSAS and BPV.
- To assess BPV using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, CNKI).
- Inclusion of observational studies comparing BPV in adults with and without OSAS.
- Analysis of BPV using standard deviation of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure from 24-h ABPM, employing random-effects models.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies (1,261 OSAS patients, 826 controls) were analyzed.
- OSAS was significantly associated with higher BPV across nighttime, daytime, and 24-h periods.
- Nighttime BPV showed the largest differences, with low to very low certainty of evidence.
Conclusions:
- OSAS is associated with increased BPV, particularly during nighttime.
- A trend towards greater BPV with increasing OSAS severity was noted.
- Substantial heterogeneity and low evidence certainty necessitate cautious interpretation of findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Measurement of Blood Pressure
Assessing blood pressure is a standard procedure executed in virtually all medical environments. The method utilized today was established over a hundred years ago by an innovative Russian doctor, Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff. The soft ticking noise, known as Korotkoff sounds, heard while taking blood pressure readings results from turbulent blood flow within the vessels. The apparatus required for this procedure includes a sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff attached to a gauge, and a stethoscope.
01:21Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
The condition is more prevalent among...
01:28Factors affecting Blood pressure
Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Physiological Factors:
01:25Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial clinical procedure in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions. Despite its significance, the accuracy of blood pressure measurements can be compromised by multiple factors, potentially leading to either falsely high or low readings. These inaccuracies are critical as they can significantly impact patient care. So, it is vital to understand these challenges deeply and adopt strategic approaches to minimize errors.
Several factors...
Several factors...
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...