Sleep apnea causes repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. High blood pressure has many possible contributors, so neither condition can be diagnosed from the other alone.
How are sleep apnea and blood pressure connected?
With obstructive sleep apnea, the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. These events can disturb sleep and oxygen levels and trigger changes in the body’s stress and cardiovascular responses. The American Heart Association notes an association between obstructive sleep apnea and higher rates of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
An association does not mean that every person with sleep apnea will develop high blood pressure, or that apnea is the only cause of an individual’s hypertension. A clinician considers the full health picture.
Signs that warrant a conversation
- Loud, frequent snoring or a partner observing pauses in breathing.
- Gasping or choking during sleep.
- Unrefreshing sleep, daytime sleepiness or difficulty concentrating.
- High blood pressure, especially when it is difficult to control, alongside sleep symptoms.
Not everyone with sleep apnea snores or feels sleepy, and these symptoms do not confirm a diagnosis. A sleep study may be needed; ask your healthcare professional. Do not drive if you are too sleepy to do so safely.
Can treating sleep apnea lower blood pressure?
For appropriate patients, CPAP uses air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. The NHLBI says CPAP can help prevent or control high blood pressure. The amount of blood-pressure improvement varies; it is not a guaranteed cure.
Other options can include a clinician-fitted oral appliance or other treatments depending on the diagnosis. Discuss mask fit, nasal symptoms or difficulty using CPAP with your sleep team. Do not stop prescribed CPAP or blood-pressure medicines without guidance.
Managing blood pressure alongside sleep treatment
- Follow your treatment plan. Use prescribed medication and sleep-apnea therapy as directed.
- Monitor as advised. Ask your clinician how and when to measure blood pressure at home, and share a log.
- Discuss persistent symptoms. Tell your care team about sleepiness, mask problems or readings outside your agreed plan.
- Review other factors. Your clinician can help with activity, nutrition, alcohol, medications and other contributors.
See NHLBI’s sleep-apnea overview and our treatment guide for more context.
When high blood pressure needs urgent attention
If a reading is higher than 180 systolic and/or 120 diastolic, wait at least one minute and recheck. If it remains that high without symptoms, contact your healthcare professional promptly. If it is that high with chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, numbness, vision change or difficulty speaking, call 911. Follow the American Heart Association’s guidance.
Common questions
Does CPAP replace blood-pressure medication?
Not automatically. Blood-pressure treatment should be adjusted only with your clinician.
Can high blood pressure diagnose sleep apnea?
No. It is one reason to discuss symptoms and risk with a clinician; a sleep study may be needed.
Will treating apnea always normalize blood pressure?
No. Treatment may help, but individual responses differ and other contributors may remain.