In a recent scholarly analysis published in the reputable journal Hypertension Research, a group of researchers has delved into the intriguing connection between the ‘non-dipper’ pattern of hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), positing that this link may play a pivotal role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
In the realm of normal physiology, nighttime blood pressure (BP) typically registers a decrease of roughly 10% when compared to daytime levels. This phenomenon, scientifically known as ‘dipper’ hypertension, is a vital facet of circadian blood pressure regulation. In contrast, non-dipper hypertension manifests when nocturnal BP levels fail to exhibit this expected dip, declining by less than 10% in relation to their daytime counterparts. Of profound significance is the fact that individuals afflicted with non-dipper hypertension face an elevated risk of various adverse health conditions, encompassing end-organ damage, cardiovascular morbidity, and increased mortality.
Furthermore, researchers have uncovered a compelling association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), even in its milder manifestations, and elevated nocturnal blood pressure. This relationship is believed to be mediated through a multitude of mechanisms. Consequently, this suggests that OSA may be directly implicated in the genesis of non-dipper hypertension and the concomitant cardiovascular risks it entails.
In a recent review study, researchers have discerned that OSA substantially augments the risk of developing non-dipper hypertension. However, it offers a glimmer of hope, revealing that nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatments, administered for six hours or less, demonstrate a remarkable capacity to mitigate the risk of non-dipper hypertension in approximately 70% of OSA patients. This finding could potentially pave the way for innovative approaches in managing both OSA and its associated hypertension, providing a fresh perspective in the ongoing quest to understand the intricate relationship between high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease.
