Attenuated endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation in patients with sleep apnoea

Abstract

Endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea was reduced independently of hypertension. An additional defect in endothelium-independent vascular relaxation was found in obstructive sleep apnoea patients with hypertension. These findings suggest a vascular pathogenetic link between obstructive sleep apnoea and systemic hypertension.