Understanding the Link Between Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is closely linked to high blood pressure, affecting millions of adults in the U.S. OSA causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to drops in blood oxygen levels and triggering the body's 'fight or flight' response. This response causes blood pressure to spike, creating ongoing stress on the cardiovascular system. Research indicates that up to 50% of people with high blood pressure also have sleep apnea. The condition is projected to affect nearly 77 million Americans by 2050. The relationship between OSA and hypertension involves multiple body systems, including the sympathetic nervous system and the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which can become overactive in OSA patients, leading to increased blood pressure and fluid retention.