What is known on this topic

• Individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are at increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

• Of the five MetS components, obesity/abdominal fat (central fat)/waist circumference is considered the most established risk factor of OSA. However, recent evidence suggests that obesity reduction did not reduce OSA risk opening the case for another risk factor such as hypertension.

What this study adds

• Uncontrolled hypertension among Blacks with metabolic syndrome increases their risk for OSA

• Uncontrolled hypertension is the strongest predictor of OSA, compared to obese BMI, antihypertensive medication, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose and HbA1c.