Continuous positive airway pressure may improve hypertension in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress

INTRODUCTION: The work was designed to investigate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: We examined the effect of CPAP on blood pressure and biomarkers reflecting inflammation and oxidative stress, and investigated the correlation between changes in blood pressure and the biomarkers. RESULTS: CPAP significantly improved clinic, ambulatory and home blood pressure (p < 0.05). The hypotensive effect of CPAP was positively correlated with the decrease of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, NADPH oxidase and malonaldehyde. CONCLUSIONS: CPAP has a significant antihypertensive effect on OSAHS patients, especially nocturnal hypertension, possibly by counteracting inflammation and oxidative stress.