Obstructive sleep apnoea in patients with obesity and hypertension

摘要

The links between obstructive sleep apnoea and hypertension are well established; obstructive sleep apnoea is reported in up to 30% of patients with hypertension, although it is frequently underdiagnosed. Physicians can assess the degree of sleepiness by administering the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, but the large number of patients with hypertension makes this strategy difficult for busy physicians to implement. Obese patients form a subgroup at higher risk for obstructive sleep apnoea, which can be targeted for screening.