The Exploration of the Relationship Between Hypertension and Sleep Apnea Through Heart Rate Variability, and the Subsequent Investigation of Non-pharmacological and Pharmacological Treatments
This study aims to investigate the relationship between hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using heart rate variability (HRV) as a non-invasive biomarker of autonomic nervous system function. Hypertensive patients at high risk for OSA will undergo 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram monitoring to assess HRV parameters, along with overnight polysomnography (PSG) to determine OSA severity. The study will analyze the association between HRV indices and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and develop predictive models using machine learning techniques. In addition, patients diagnosed with OSA will be followed after treatment, and changes in HRV and blood pressure will be evaluated to assess treatment effects and autonomic function recovery. The results of this study may provide a cost-effective and clinically applicable approach for early detection, risk stratification, and management of OSA in patients with hypertension.
• Age 18 to 65 years
• Diagnosed hypertension or resistant hypertension
• STOP-Bang score ≥3 indicating high risk of obstructive sleep apnea
• Willing and able to provide informed consent