Hypertension and CPAP

[SleepyBee]

I was diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) last year and started taking some meds to lower it.

It seemed to be working with readings around the 120/80 range.

When I was diagnosed with sleep apnoea a few months ago and started CPAP therapy I thought it might help my HT as sleep apnoea is supposed to cause high blood pressure.

My sleeping is much improved with AHI scores in the sub 5 region (from 70+) but my BP seems to have raised (despite me continuing my meds).

Does anyone have any experience of this? Can CPAP raise you BP?

It may just be my meds need adjusting but it is puzzling.

[OpalRose]

Cpap should not cause your BP to rise, it should actually stabilize or be lower after being on cpap for awhile.

What do you mean by AHI in the "sub" 5 region? What does your AHI average? What is the breakdown of your AHI. Are you experiencing a lot of clear airways?

If your AHI is well controlled and you feel good when you wake up in the morning, then I suggest you have a discussion with your doctor about your BP rising.
An adjustment in your meds may be in order.

[SleepyBee]

usually between 3 and 5 occasionally as low as 1 with CAI scores of below 1 and very occasionally 1.5. leaks at zero or maybe 1-2%.

I wake up fine, no headaches no sleepiness.

suspect it's the meds but wondered if there was a known effect?

[justMongo]

What is your BP at this time? May I ask what med(s) your GP (I assume GP) put you on for HTN?

[PaulaO2]

It is not a known effect. CPAP almost always lowers the BP, not increases it. It could be just an adjustment period and nothing more. However, it is always good to discuss this with your physician. Any BP increases are not good.

[SleepyBee]

around the 150-160/90-100 range. it had been 120/80ish.

I saw the nurse today and the doc should be getting back to me with an updated prescription tomorrow.

to be fair I have had a stressy week but even so.