Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pulmonary Embolism
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pulmonary Embolism
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a clinical syndrome characterized by repetitive closure of
 the airway and frequent awakenings during sleep. Repeated episodes of hypoxia, decrease in
 intrathoracic pressure, increased venous return and venous stasis, damage to vascular wall
 may ensue. An increased tendency for coagulation has also been reported in OSA. Venous
 stasis, vascular endothelial activation and hypercoagulability are also known risk factors
 for thromboembolism. All of these pathophysiologic changes in OSA may predispose patients for
 the development of pulmonary embolism (PE) however there is limited data about role of
 thromboembolic events in OSA.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  All consecutive patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  less than 18 years of age

 -  any restrictive or obstructive lung disease