JAMA study shows CPAP improves blood pressure in those with resistant hypertension

A study published Dec. 11 in JAMA examined the effect of CPAP therapy on blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and resistant hypertension. Results of the randomized clinical trial show that 12 weeks of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy resulted in a decrease in 24-hour mean and diastolic blood pressure and an improvement in the nocturnal blood pressure pattern. The authors note that more than 70 percent of patients with resistant hypertension have OSA.