--- title: Using a CPAP Machine Reduces Blood Pressure description: Sleep apnea can cause hypertension. Fortunately, new studies find that using a CPAP machine significantly reduces blood pressure. image: https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hub/299691/file-1088587325.jpg --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [Using a CPAP Machine Reduces Blood Pressure](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/using-a-cpap-machine-reduces-blood-pressure) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/julia.steele818) [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasteele) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/juliasteelerod) Jul 7, 2014 4:00:00 AM ![CPAP-reduces-blood-pressure](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hub/299691/file-1088587325.jpg?width=358&height=239&name=file-1088587325.jpg) Doctors have known since the 1980s that [sleep apnea is closely related to high blood pressure](http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-apnea-and-heart-disease). Recent studies are confirming that sleep apnea is a direct cause of this serious health problem, and that using a CPAP machine as treatment for sleep disorders can significantly and immediately reduce blood pressure. ### **The Benefits of CPAP Treatment** Earlier this year, Doctor Claudia Korcarz of the University of Wisconsin Atherosclerosis Imaging Research Program oversaw a [study](http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/826142) that tested the efficiency of a [CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/equipment) in reducing blood pressure in sleep apnea patients. Her results were conclusive Dr. Korcarz observed 47 adults of mean age 41 years with [Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/types). After undergoing CPAP treatment for only three months, **subjects who used the machine for about 6 hours per night had significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure** and increased artery size. These results are in line with previous studies on the cardiovascular benefits of CPAP. However, there are limitations to the beneficial properties of CPAP machines. According to Doctor Korcarz’s study, patients who originally experienced reduced blood pressure saw the benefits reversed within a week of stopping CPAP usage. Furthermore, patients who were not fully compliant with the machine (using it for less than 2.5 hours per night) saw no significant reductions in blood pressure. ### Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure Since the turn of the 21st century, the consensus among doctors has been that sleep apnea is a [**direct cause**](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/278096.php) of high blood pressure. This is because [an apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/types) is an interruption in breathing while sleeping, which results in reduced oxygen levels in the body. In response, the brain sends out a signal to increase blood flow to important organs like the heart and brain by tightening blood vessels. These nighttime tendencies can carry over into the day, resulting in chronic hypertension. A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Machine is a common means of treating sleep apnea. It delivers pressurized air through a facial mask, keeping airways open making sure the patient can breathe properly. Lowering blood pressure results in a plethora of [health benefits](http://www.livestrong.com/article/271740-what-are-the-benefits-of-lowering-blood-pressure/). It decreases strain on the heart, eyes, and kidneys. It also decreases the risk of coronary disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. ### **What can I learn from these results?** If you are currently using a CPAP machine, make sure you use it every night for at least 5 hours to ensure the best possible treatment for your apnea. If you have sleep apnea, you may be dealing with much more severe health problems that just a poor night’s sleep. If you think you might have this condition, talk to your doctor to discuss a [sleep study](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-studies) or treatment. Resources: [Medical News Today](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/278096.php), [Medscape](http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/826142), [National Sleep Foundation](http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-apnea-and-heart-disease) Photo Credit: [Rachel Tayse](https://www.flickr.com/photos/11921146@N03/) Topics: [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [Sleep and Society](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fusing-a-cpap-machine-reduces-blood-pressure%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fusing-a-cpap-machine-reduces-blood-pressure%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fusing-a-cpap-machine-reduces-blood-pressure%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fusing-a-cpap-machine-reduces-blood-pressure%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Using%20a%20CPAP%20Machine%20Reduces%20Blood%20Pressure) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fusing-a-cpap-machine-reduces-blood-pressure%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fusing-a-cpap-machine-reduces-blood-pressure%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fusing-a-cpap-machine-reduces-blood-pressure%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. 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