WASHINGTON -- The publication of the article "Association of Sleep-Disordered Breathing, Sleep Apnea, and Hypertension in a Large Community-Based Study" in today's Journal of the American Medical Association reminds physicians to look for sleep apnea in their patients with high blood pressure. Like sleep apnea, hypertension can be a serious medical problem, yet both sleep apnea and hypertension are not easily recognized by patients. It is estimated that at least ten million Americans have undiagnosed sleep apnea.

"This study is valuable in that it shows a strong association between sleep apnea and hypertension," Safwan Badr, MD, president of the American Sleep Apnea Association said. "Several other studies have demonstrated such an association, but never with such a large sample size. In my opinion, the evidence is impressive."

While not everyone with hypertension should undergo a sleep study, doctors are advised to explore symptoms of sleep apnea in their patients with hypertension, particularly uncontrolled hypertension. A sleep study would be ordered when warranted, for example, in patients with loud, habitual snoring who fall asleep easily and sometimes inappropriately.

"I saw numerous doctors for high blood pressure and headaches before I was finally diagnosed with sleep apnea," Joe Duffey, vice-chairman of the American Sleep Apnea Association, remembers. "Once I was treated successfully, I was able to reduce the medications. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be treated; this study reminds us why we should not ignore symptoms such as snoring."

People who think they may have sleep apnea should talk to their physician or a sleep specialist about their symptoms. For more information about being evaluated for sleep apnea, they may contact the American Sleep Apnea Association.