Sleep Apnea and Hypertension Control among Hispanic/Latino Adults in the United States: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

ObjectivesHispanic/Latino adults have a high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension predisposing them to CVD. We hypothesize that sleep apnea severity is associated with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) and resistant hypertension in Hispanic/Latino adults. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 2,849 Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos participants with hypertension (i.e., systolic BP [&ge;]130 mm Hg, or diastolic BP [&ge;]80 mm Hg or self-reported antihypertensive medication use) who were taking at least one class of antihypertensive medication. Participants were categorized as having controlled (BP < 130/80 mmHg among those on hypertension treatment), uncontrolled (BP [&ge;] 130/80 mmHg using one or two classes of antihypertensive medications), or resistant hypertension (BP [&ge;] 130/80 mmHg while on [&ge;] 3 classes of antihypertensive medications or the use of [&ge;] 4 classes of antihypertensive medications regardless of BP control). Sleep apnea was classified based on the respiratory event index (REI; events/h) as mild (REI [&ge;] 5 and < 15), moderate-to-severe (REI [&ge;] 15), or no sleep apnea (REI < 5). ResultsIn multinomial logistic regression, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea (vs. no sleep apnea) was associated with higher odds of resistant hypertension (Odds Ratio [OR], 2.15; 95% CI, 1.36-3.39 at 4% desaturation and OR 1.68; 95% CI, 1.05-2.67 at 3% desaturation). Neither mild nor moderate-to-severe sleep apnea was associated with uncontrolled hypertension. ConclusionAmong diverse Hispanic/Latino persons, moderate-to-severe but not mild sleep apnea was associated with resistant hypertension. Identification and management of sleep apnea in this population may improve BP control and subsequently prevent adverse cardiovascular outcomes.