Objectives: We sought to explore the relationship between the diagnosis of hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a Hispanic population, describe the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on blood pressure regulation, and assess the effect of CPAP on quality of life.
Design: A retrospective, recall interview study.
Participants: Patients enrolled at the Home Oxygen Program of the San Juan V.A. Medical Center with the diagnosis of OSA and treatment with CPAP.
Measurements: The Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index was administered to all patients after informed consent. Information regarding co-morbid conditions and fluctuations in blood pressure and anthropometric variables were obtained on a follow-up evaluation.
Results: After excluding for the use of antihypertensive medications, weight, and age, a 10% decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) from 100 mm Hg to 92 mm Hg was observed in an average of 40 months of therapy (p < 0.05). With the Calgary Quality of Life Index, 67% of the patients reported an extreme improvement in their quality of life. Compliance with CPAP therapy correlated with improved quality of life (r = 0.33, p < 0.015).
Conclusions: In this pilot study, there appears to be a correlation between our intervention and decline of blood pressure, independent of body weight, age, or medication usage. CPAP treatment is an effective modality in improving symptoms and quality of life.