Neck circumference and lowest oxygen saturation are independently associated with high coexistence of hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea

Purpose: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is considered an independent risk factor for hypertension. However, it is still not clear which clinical factors are related with the presence of hypertension in OSA patients. We aimed to find different physical features and compare the sleep study results which are associated with the occurrence of hypertension in OSA patients. Materials and Methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for patients diagnosed with OSA at Severance Cardiovascular Hospital between 2010 and 2013. Males with moderate to severe OSA patients were enrolled in this study. Clinical and polysomnographic features were evaluated to assess clinical variables that are significantly associated with hypertension by statistical analysis. Results: Among men with moderate to severe OSA, age was negatively correlated with hypertension (odds ratio=0.956), while neck circumference was positively correlated with the presence of hypertension (odds ratio=1.363). Among the polysomnographic results, the lowest O₂ saturation during sleep was significantly associated with the presence of hypertension (odds ratio=0.900). Conclusion: Age and neck circumference should be considered as clinically significant features, and the lowest blood O₂ saturation during sleep should be emphasized in predicting the coexistence or development of hypertension in OSA patients.