Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where the airway becomes blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing (apneas) and shallow breathing (hypopneas). These pauses disrupt the body's normal sleep cycle and can cause a variety of symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, and irritability. OSA is also associated with an increased risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure is higher than normal. It is a major risk factor for stroke, heart attack, and other serious health problems. OSA increases the risk of hypertension by leading to inflammation, increased levels of stress hormones, and impaired blood vessel function.
The inflammation caused by OSA can lead to atherosclerosis, a build-up of plaque on the walls of the arteries. This builds up and narrows the arteries, leading to increased blood pressure. OSA also causes increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones cause the heart to work harder and the blood vessels to constrict, leading to elevated blood pressure.
Finally, OSA can lead to impaired blood vessel function. This is because the pauses in breathing cause the blood vessels to become stiff and less able to expand to accommodate the increased flow of blood. This results in increased pressure in the vessels, leading to elevated blood pressure.
In conclusion, OSA increases the risk of hypertension by causing inflammation, increasing stress hormones, and impairing blood vessel function. It is important to be aware of the potential health risks of OSA and to seek treatment if you are experiencing any of the symptoms.