Treating only hypertension wasn’t enough
How diagnosing and treating OSA with positive airway pressure (PAP) transformed one patient’s experience with resistant hypertension.
How treating OSA with PAP therapy helped one hypertensive patient
Despite being on three anti-hypertensive medications, Thomas* could not get his blood pressure under control. Results from a sleep study provided critical data that led to a new treatment plan—and improved health.
*Name has been changed to protect patient confidentiality.
The OSA-hypertension connection
Non-specific symptoms
Resistant hypertension coupled with non-specific symptoms like persistent fatigue and brain fog may be subtle signs of OSA1
Importance of testing
Test for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) early in patients with resistant hypertension, offering visual explanations of sleep test data to help overcome concerns2
Treating both conditions
Treating OSA with PAP therapy can reduce hypertensive medication burden, improve quality of life and make hypertension easier to manage within primary care3
“OSA is often viewed as a comorbidity of hypertension but it can also play a significant role in disease progression.”
Dr. Audrey Wells shares how addressing one patient’s sleep apnea made a world of difference in managing his blood pressure.
Key results of treating OSA and hypertension together
- Blood pressure control with reduced use of blood pressure medications
- Improved energy and mental clarity after the first night
- Reduced weight that had previously remained stable
Explore more resources
Case study
Read one woman’s journey with OSA – and how diagnosis and treatment with PAP therapy has changed her life.
Fact sheet: OSA and cardiovascular disease
The impact of treating OSA with PAP therapy on cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Conversation guide
Practical points about sleep and heart health to discuss with your patients.
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Images shown are actor portrayals. Not actual patients.
References:
- Source: Parati et al. Hypertens Res. 2014
- Source: Yeghiazarians et al. Circulation. 2022
- Source: Bouloukaki et al. J Hum Hypertens. 2017
- Source: Whelton PK, Hypertension. 2018 Jun.71(6):e136-e139