The therapeutic effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in the elderly hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and hypertension in elderly patients, and the long-term effect of nCPAP in old patients with OSAHS and hypertension. MethodsOne hundred and four patients with snoring were randomized into a treatment group (n=52) and a control group (n=52) and monitored by Autoset diagnosis-treatment system during nocturnal sleep. Blood pressure over 24 hours and polysomnogram were measured before and 6 months after nCPAP treatment. Data of Apnea index, SpO2 and arterial pressure were chosen for statistical analysis. ResultsThe longest apnea time, apnea hyponea index, lowest SpO_2 and systolic/diastolic pressure were (63.522.4) s, (46.819.2) times/h, (62.418.5)% and (14610/909) mm Hg separately before treatment and (10.511.4)s, (4.64.0) time/h, (89.88.2)% and (1358)/(839)mm Hg separately 6 months after nCPAP treatment. All the indexes improved significantly. (all P0.05). ConclusionsThe nocturnal hypoxemia and sleep apnea may be considered as one of the cause of some OSAHS patients with hypertension. nCPAP is an effective therapy to control hypertension caused by OSAHS.