Poor Sleep Quality Linked With Resistant Hypertension

Insomnia can have serious consequences for patients who already have high blood pressure, according to a new study presented at the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions. Researchers studied the sleeping patterns of 234 patients with high blood pressure, most of whom slept 6 or fewer hours a day. Resistant hypertension was twice as likely to occur in those who also reported poor sleep quality than in those who slept well. More women reported lower sleep quality than men.

The researchers concluded that sleep problems are more likely to occur in persons with high blood pressure and that poor sleep quality in patients with high blood pressure is associated with resistant hypertension. They noted that more study is needed to clarify the cause. For more information, visit the American Heart Association Web site.