The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has become a recognized public health problem especially because of its high prevalence and its cardiovascular consequences especially on arteriel hypertension.

to assess the relationship between OSA and hypertension.

we conducted a prospective comparative study between hypertensive subjects (GSH group) and non hypertensive (GSNH group); OSAS was confirmed by ventilatory polygraphy between January 2013 and July 2014.

There was 46 hypertensive and 54 non hypertensive patients patients with a clear female predominance in both groups.The metabolic syndrome was found in 61% of cases in the GSH against 16% in the GSNH (p<0,01). The tobacco consumption and smoking post COPD were more common in the GSNH (p<0.01).Obesity was found respectively in 77% vs 36% of patients (p<0.01). In the 2 groups, there was no difference in clinical expression (epworth average score 15). According to the score of Berlin, all hypertensive subjects were at high risk of developing OSAS while GSNH were at intermediate risk. The average of apnea-hypopnea index wasa 19 (GSH) vs 16 (GSNH) (p=0.70) mainly obstructive apnea with an average saturation of 93%. The use of CPAP was necessary in 8 hypertensive patients (22%). The evolution is marked by the stabilization of blood pressure with a decrease in the number of antihypertensive drugs in 75% of cases. Regarding the OSA, its evolution is marked by the decrease of daytime and nighttime symptoms and the improving of the quality of life in 15 cases.

Through this study, OSA seems more severe in hypertensive patients.In fact, early diagnosis of this syndrome and its appropriate treatment can prevent cardiovascular complications.

The author hereby declares no conflict of interest