In many cases, people who have one health concern may develop another. The term dual diagnosis was created as physicians looked for the root cause of the problem as well as any contributing factors. This dual diagnosis is common when it comes to sleep apnea and high blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health ailment. It occurs when the pressure inside the blood vessels is higher than normal. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day due to activity or anxiety, but prolonged high blood pressure can lead to serious heart and vascular issues, including an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when a person repeatedly stops and starts breathing during sleep. Snoring is one symptom, but other signs include gasping for air and insomnia. Hard-to-control high blood pressure can also be a symptom of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can cause secondary hypertension, leading to elevated blood pressure readings during sleep and even higher levels while awake. Ongoing studies aim to uncover the reasons behind this correlation. It’s believed that lower oxygen levels may trigger a panic response in the brain, which constricts blood vessels to improve oxygen flow.
Many physicians are now referring patients with hypertension to sleep labs to explore potential links. One study found that patients treated with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device had lower blood pressure readings after 12 weeks of use.
While research continues on the connection between sleep apnea and high blood pressure, the outlook for diagnosis and treatment remains promising.
There’s a lot that goes into taking care of our bodies. Check out our other article about how sleep deprivation can cause high blood pressure.