Introduction: systemic hypertension (SH) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) are very prevalent diseases worldwide, and, although rising interest in medical community, they still are not completely elucidated on their mechanisms and physiopathology concerning to their complications. OSAS is being each time more related to cardiovascular diseases, specially SH, which is prevalent in OSAS patients. Aim: In our paper, we intend to evaluate the findings in presence of SH in OSAS patients. Study design: Clinical prospective randomized. Material and metod: We studied a patient population of Snoring and Apnea Ambulatory in Ribeirão Preto Medical College of São Paulo University's Clinics Hospital, from February 1999 to February 2002, totalizing 42 patients, being 30 (71,42%) male and 12 (28,58%) female, ages ranging 21 to 77 years (m=45,3, pd=9,372706), all them with polissonography confirmed diagnosis of OSAS, divided into two groups, 21 patients each, first one with patients only diagnosed as OSAS (control), and the second with patients diagnosed as OSAS and SH. We compared Epworth, Snoring and Sleepiness scales in both groups, added to use of polissonography for objective study. Results: We found not significant statiscal differences between groups comparing scales results, even SH/OSAS group having always major media results. When we evaluate objectively the patients, with polissonography, using RDI (respiratory disturbance index), there is significant statiscal difference (p=0,0326), with SH patients reaching major medias. Comparing proportion inside groups, there is predominance of moderated and severe apnea in SH/OSAS group, and mild apnea prevails on control group. Conclusion: Concluding, concomitance of SH and OSAS represents aggravator factor in apnea grade.
obstructive sleep apnea syndrome; systemic hypertension; polissonography
