Sleep Apnea Caused by Hypertension
Sleep apnea and hypertension (high blood pressure) tend to be paired. Having sleep apnea can actually raise your risk for high blood pressure, and the other way around, too. When you stop breathing in sleep, your oxygen level falls prematurely, forcing your body to release stress hormones. These hormones can raise heart rate and blood pressure, leading to the eventual development of hypertension.
Conversely, if you already have high blood pressure, it can leave you more vulnerable to sleep apnea as this puts more pressure on your cardiovascular system. It also creates a cycle in which each condition makes the other worse, resulting in an increased chance of heart disease and stroke.
However, if you have hypertension, you’ll want to resolve any symptoms of sleep apnea sooner rather than later to prevent further health complications. CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, and even medical management can disrupt the cycle.