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Purpose Asthmatics have unique characteristics that may influence cardiovascular morbidity. We tested the association of lower airway caliber, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and other asthma-related factors, with systemic hypertension (HTN). Methods Asthma individuals at specialty clinics completed the Sleep Apnea scale of the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SA-SDQ). Medical records were reviewed for diagnosed HTN, OSA and comorbidities, spirometry, and current medications. FEV.sub.1% predicted was categorized as [greater than or equal to]80 (reference), 70-79, 60-69, and Results Among 812 asthmatics (mean age ± standard deviation: 46 ± 14 years), HTN was diagnosed in 191 (24 %), OSA in 65 (8 %), and OSA or high OSA risk (combined OSA variable) in 239 (29 %). HTN was more prevalent in lower FEV.sub.1% categories (p < 0.0001), in subjects with OSA, and those with combined OSA variable (55 vs. 21 % and 46 vs. 14 %, respectively, both p < 0.0001). With adjustment for covariates, associations with HTN remained significant for some FEV.sub.1% categories (70-79 % odds ratio = 1.60 [95 % CI 0.90-2.87]; 60-69 % 2.73 [1.28-5.79]; Conclusions In this young population, worse lower airways obstruction and OSA were associated with HTN. In contrast, lower ICS doses attenuated likelihood for HTN. Adequate control of airway inflammation at appropriate ICS doses, and screening for OSA may reduce the burden of HTN in asthma., Author(s): Susan Ferguson[sup.1] [sup.2] , Mihai C. Teodorescu[sup.1] [sup.3] [sup.4] , Ronald E. Gangnon[sup.5] [sup.6] , Andrea G. Peterson[sup.2] , Flavia B. Consens[sup.7] , Ronald D. Chervin[sup.7] , Mihaela Teodorescu[sup.1] [...]