Sleep Apnea, The Cause of Many Hypertensions

Yesterday I went to a sleep specialist to have a consultation. I'll be going in early August to have the sleep study done. According to the formula that they use as a kind of 'screening device,' I have a high likelihood of sleep apnea. The formula is: circumference of the neck in cm + if you snore, add 3 cm + if you have high blood pressure, add 2 cm + if you smoke, add 3cm + if you choke or gag in your sleep, add 4 cm. They take the total, and see how high it is. If it's above 48 cm, you have a high probability of sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea raises the blood pressure by not allowing your body a full nights rest. I never thought too much about the consequences of not getting a full night sleep, but here it is. If I do have sleep apnea, and get it treated (and the treatment options are varied depending on the severity), it could further lower my blood pressure, which is now artificially lowered to 125/85.