Sleep medicine reviews
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Sleep medicine reviews · Oct 2014
ReviewCardiovascular implications of obstructive sleep apnea associated with the presence of a patent foramen ovale.
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital cardiac abnormality of the atrial septum which occurs in 25% of the population. It allows communication between the right and left atrium enabling right to left shunting of deoxygenated blood (after birth) which may be linked to strokes or transient ischemic attacks. PFO may also have an association with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). ⋯ The presence of a PFO and OSA may increase the risk of stroke. In this review, the association of PFO and OSA is described along with their implications for cardiovascular disease. The relevant literature and treatment options are discussed to elaborate on the significance of the associated pathology.