Medication Concerns for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Induced Hypertension

Page topics:

Two concerns applicable to medications in cases of hypertension induced by obstructive sleep apnea are described.

 

Visitor:

Why should high blood pressure brought on by sleep apnea be different from other cases of high blood pressure?

Web slave:

Hypertension brought on for reasons other than sleep apnea, exists much more consistently throughout the day than that due to sleep apnea.

 

Visitor:

Do you mean the fact that apnea hypertension varies over a 24 hour period presents a problem?

Web slave:

It presents at least one problem. That problem relates to medication timing.

 

Visitor:

If I remember correctly blood pressure is higher at night than during the day. Correct?

Web slave:

Right. If the medication is taken a considerable time before it is needed, hypotension may result.

 

Visitor:

Is hypotension low pressure?

Web slave:

Yes. For example, if one takes the medication at 6pm and then is active, for example dancing, the patient will probably notice the effect. (Experienced that)

 

Visitor:

Just when should medication be taken in the evening? Logic says that right before bedtime, blood pressure will be at its lowest.

Web slave:

It should be just prior to retiring.

 

Visitor:

What was your doctor's recommendation?

Web slave:

The doctor instructed me to take a dose just before retiring, and in the morning, medication was to be taken as needed.

 

Visitor:

What is the other medication concern?

Web slave:

The other concern is related to initiating CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

 

Visitor:

What is CPAP?

Web slave:

CPAP stands for 'continuous positive airway pressure'. This treatment involves introducing air under pressure to prevent the airway from collapsing. In this way apneas are prevented.

 

Visitor:

Understood. What is there about CPAP is it that introduces a concern about medication?

Web slave:

By eliminating apneas the nocturnal, perhaps 'apnea induced' is a better identifier, blood pressure increases are eliminated and the need for medication may also be eliminated.

Visitor:

Where did this information come from?

Web slave:

Chapter 59 of the 1989 edition of "Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine". M. Kryger is the editor of the book. C. Sullivan and R. Grunstein. were the authors of Chapter 59.

Page summary:

The hypertension medication concerns related to:

• Timing
• CPAP initiation

were described for the situation when obstructive sleep apnea induced the high blood pressure.

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