Race And CPAP Effectiveness

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major public health problem in the U.S. and more than 35% of Veterans are at high risk for OSA. OSA is associated with progression of hypertension, an important health problem in Veterans. African Americans with OSA are at increased risk for poorly controlled hypertension and its health consequences. Implementing a care plan to increase the percentage of Veterans in whom blood pressure goals are achieved has been prioritized by Veterans Administration hospitals. Recent studies show that hypertension control can be improved with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of OSA. The aim of this proposal is to examine and compare the effects of CPAP treatment on 24-hour arterial blood pressure and central aortic blood pressure (measured non-invasively with a cuff on the upper arm) in African American and other Veterans.