Effect of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnee syndrome on blood pressure in first stage hypertension patients stationing in plateau region

AIM To investigate the effect of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnee syndrome (OSAHS) on the blood pressure of young servicemen with first stage hypertension encamping on plateau for a short period and analyze the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Thirteen servicemen with hypertension were divided into two groups, 9 with OSAHS in OSAH group and 4 without OSAHS in control group. Blood pressure, peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SO2%), sleep time (h), apnea index (AHI) and neuroendocrine hormone (RAAS, cortisol) were collected at 10 d, 30 d and 60 d. RESULTS After stationing in the plateau region, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in OSAHS group were significantly higher than the baseline (P<0.05), especially diastolic blood pressure. Blood oxygen saturation decreased significantly (P<0.05). Sleep time was significantly shorter (P<0.05), AHI significantly increased (P<0.05) and neuroendocrine hormone levels (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and cortisol) also increased (P<0.05). But no such significant differences were found in control group. CONCLUSION Encamping in plateau areas can lead to short-time exacerbation of hypertension. The mechanism may be related to OSAHS, which activates RAAS and stress hormone, resulting in more severe hypertension.