AUTHOR=Wang Yi , Li Chuan Xiang , Lin Ying Ni , Zhang Li Yue , Li Shi Qi , Zhang Liu , Yan Ya Ru , Lu Fang Ying , Li Ning , Li Qing Yun 

TITLE=The Role of Aldosterone in OSA and OSA-Related Hypertension

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Endocrinology

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.801689

DOI=10.3389/fendo.2021.801689

ISSN=1664-2392

ABSTRACT=<p>Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is regarded as an independent risk factor for hypertension. The possible mechanism includes oxidative stress, endothelial injury, sympathetic excitement, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system activation, etc. Clinical studies have found that there is a high coexistence of OSA and primary aldosteronism in patients with hypertension and that elevated aldosterone levels are independently associated with OSA severity in resistant hypertension. The underlying mechanism is that aldosterone excess can exacerbate OSA through increasing overnight fluid shift and affecting the mass and function of upper airway muscles during the sleep period. Thus, a bidirectional influence between OSA and aldosterone exists and contributes to hypertension in OSA patients, especially resistant hypertension.</p>