Nitric oxide and obstructive sleep apnea

► Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition affecting 16% of working age individuals. ► Systemic arterial hypertension is a common consequence of OSA. ► OSA is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. ► OSA hypertension is a consequence of disordered nitric oxide regulation. ► NO regulation is disordered in sites of sympathoregulation in OSA. ► OSA also alters NO production in systemic endothelium.