NOCTURNAL HYPERTENSION AND SLEEP-APNEA - APNEA-INDUCED BLOOD-PRESSURE INCREASES DURING NREM AND REM-SLEEP

Studies revealed that Sleep Related Breathing Disorders (SRBD) are characterized by an increased cardiovascular risk. This study was performed to describe invasive hemodynamic changes in obstructive sleep apneas standardized by vigilance and length on digital data basis. Increases in blood pressure caused by SRBD could be documented with the highest amount during REM. sleep (systolic/diastolic bp 150/73 mmHg in REM-Sleep vs 134/69 mmHg in NREM-Sleep). Systolic blood,pressure elevations of more than 60 mmHg during apneas in REM sleep are comparable to 75-100 Watt bicycle exercise rest. Antihypertensive therapy must refer to these blood pressure elevations in patients suspected of SRBD (snoring/apneas).