[Sleep disturbances in elderly hypertensive patients].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the subjective and objective perturbations in the elderly hypertensive patients.


METHODS
32 individuals were studied with ages > or = 65 years, 14 men and 18 women, with controlled idiopathic high blood pressure, diagnosed over a year ago, and able to lead autonomous lives.


METHODS
These outpatients were asked to answer sleep questionnaires adapted from Stanford's questionnaire, and a nocturnal sleep polygraphic register was kept.


CONCLUSIONS
This group of elderly hypertensive outpatients slept badly but never consulted a doctor due to sleeping problems. The most frequent complaints were fatigue, body pains, frequent interruptions of sleep during the night and sleepiness during the day. In the polysonographic register, we highlight insomnia, snoring, obstructive apnea and the periodic movements during sleep. These findings could explain the patient's complaints. Research must be continued on sleep apnea in the elderly hypertensive patients particularly in those with snoring.
Pereira
A
A
Centro de Saúde da Alameda, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa.
Paiva
T
T
Clara
J G
JG
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
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