Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), affecting 2-4% of adults, particularly middle-aged men, has been identified as an independent risk factor for hypertension, with 30% to 70% of OSA patients also experiencing elevated blood pressure. The hypoxia and hypercapnia-induced sympathetic activation in OSA patients contribute to this link. Additionally, hypertensive patients with OSA are at higher risk of resistant hypertension and cardiovascular complications compared to those without OSA. This study aims to explore the association between OSA and nocturnal blood pressure variability. Methods This prospective study examined 60 newly diagnosed (OSA) patients at Banha University Hospitals over a 12-month period. The study evaluated respiratory parameters and oxygen saturation. Post-sleep study, blood pressure and pulse rate were monitored non-invasively to assess blood pressure variability, with a focus on nocturnal hours, adhering to American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines. Results A significant correlation was found between the nocturnal blood pressure fluctuation index and both ODI and AHI. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding average diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, MAP, pulse pressure, NBPF max, and NBPF average. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the severity of OSA may be related to distinct clinical and hematological profiles, highlighting the importance of comprehensive assessment in managing OSA.
Tantawy et al. (2025) studied this question.