[00:05.25]American scientists say they have found the strongest evidence yet
[00:11.96]linking a breathing problem called sleep apnea to high blood pressure.
[00:17.32]They published the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
[00:22.94]People with sleep apnea briefly stop breathing while they sleep.
[00:28.76]Sleep apnea can cause a tired feeling and head pain.
[00:34.61]Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health organized the new study.
[00:42.42]It involved more than 6,000 adults.
[00:45.35]The researchers found that people who stopped breathing the most during sleep were more likely to have high blood pressure.
[00:56.45]Even people with moderate levels of sleep apnea had a higher risk of high blood pressure.
[01:04.31]High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
[01:11.92]Sleep apnea is more common among people who weigh too much.
[01:17.51]However, the study found a link between sleep apnea and high blood pressure in people of all weight groups.
[01:27.59]Experts say people with high blood pressure who become sleepy during the day should be tested for sleep problems.
[01:37.52]It is not clear yet if sleep apnea causes high blood pressure. |