Hypertension
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of continuous positive airway pressure versus supplemental oxygen on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with recurrent episodes of nocturnal hypoxia and increased risk for development of systemic hypertension. Prior studies have been limited, however, in their ability to show reduction in blood pressure after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and the effect of supplemental oxygen alone on blood pressure in OSA has not been evaluated. ⋯ Although nocturnal supplemental oxygen therapy improved oxyhemoglobin saturation, it did not affect blood pressure. We conclude that CPAP therapy reduces both daytime and nighttime blood pressure in patients with OSA, perhaps through mechanisms other than improvement of nocturnal oxyhemoglobin saturation.