Sleep & Hypertension

A symposium taking place until 10 a.m. and being led by chair Dr. Antonio Culebras is focusing on “Sleep and Hypertension.” Topics being discussed include the relationship between sleep, sleep disorders and high blood pressure, as well as how to manage patients with high blood pressure through the identification of these sleep disorders.

Sleep disorders that will be prominent in this discussion include obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movements and insomnia. A study in the April 1 issue of the journal SLEEP reported that the risk of hypertension associated with insomnia and a short sleep duration is comparable to the risk associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

Culebras was one co-author of a scientific statement published last summer that focused on the growing evidence linking sleep apnea to cardiovascular disease. The statement reported that about 50 percent of OSA patients are hypertensive, and an estimated 30 percent of hypertensive patients also have OSA, often undiagnosed.