Sleep-related breathing disorders in stage II essential hypertension

Abstract

Background Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) are reported to be common among patients with hypertension (HTN). Objective Our aim was to use polysomnography (PSG) to objectively study the frequency and types of SRBDs in essential stage II HTN. Patients and methods We used an attended full PSG recording in a group of 20 patients suffering from stage II HTN and in a group of 20 age-matched and sex-matched controls. The Berlin Questionnaire was also administered to the patients. The patients were assessed for a history of smoking, fasting blood sugar, and BMI. Results We found that 70% of HTN patients had SRBDs: 15% had mild, 30% had moderate, and 25% had severe SRBDs. As for the controls, we found that 40% of controls had SRBDs: 20% had mild, 15% had moderate, and 5% had severe SRBDs. The overweight patients with HTN had a significantly higher hypopnea index compared with normal weight patients. The diabetic hypertensive group showed a lower sleep efficiency. In addition, all the high-risk patients identified by the Berlin Questionnaire showed evidence of SRBDs, but not all SRBD patients were identified as high-risk patients by the Berlin Questionnaire. Conclusion SRBD is very common in stage II HTN. Clinicians should be aware of this high prevalence and make use of the Berlin Questionnaire and PSG, as treatment for SRBDs can have a profound impact on these patients.