To determine the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in hypertensive patients and report the associated factors.

This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2019 (6 months), in hypertensive outpatient followed up at the University Hospital of Brazzaville. The diagnosis criteria of OSAS were those of Berlin questionnaire.

A total of 315 patients were included, 210 women (64.9%). The mean age was 58.5±12.4 years. The standard of living was high in 59 cases (18.7%). Medical history was: hospitalization (n=209, 66.3%), diabetes (n=95, 30.2%), heart failure (n=57, 18.1%). Lifestyle habits were: sedentarity (n=181, 57.5%), excessive alcohol intake (n=97, 30.8%).

Normal blood pressure (n=86, 27.3%), severe obesity (n=23, 7.3%), obdominal obesity (n=230.73%). Anomalies in the Berlin questionnaire were represented by snoring (n=197, 62.5%), tiredness upon waking (n=127, 40.3%), tiredness during the day (n=97, 30.8%), breathing pauses (n=75, 23.8%) and falling asleep at the wheel (n=22, 7%). The frequency of OSAS was 75.8% (n=239). The factors associated with OSA were: excessive alcohol intake (n=86, 36% OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6-6.6, P<0.01), severe obesity (n=20, 8.3%, OR 7, 95% CI 1.6-35, P=0.01), abdominal obesity (n=185, 77.4%, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4, P=0.002).

OSAS is a real problem among hypertensive patients at Brazzaville. This fact requires its systematic screening, and the implementation of polysomnography, a more efficient means of diagnosis for appropriate treatment.