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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2003; 24(3): 315-322
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41092
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Brooke G. Judd1,2 , Stephen  Liu3 , Michael J. Sateia1
  • 1Sleep Disorders Center, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire
  • 2Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
  • 3Department of Internal Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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Publication History

Publication Date:
01 August 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The role of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in the development of persistent daytime pulmonary hypertension (PH) and cor pulmonale is controversial and has not been extensively studied. In this review we discuss the physiological changes that occur during SDB in the cardiovascular system, as well as review the most recent literature examining the relationship between SDB and PH/cor pulmonale. The literature suggests that much of the PH and right heart dysfunction seen in SDB is related to concurrent obesity and underlying lung disease, although it does appear that isolated SDB (in the form of obstructive sleep apnea) may be responsible for a small but significant degree of PH. The clinical consequences of this, however, remain unclear.

KEYWORDS

Sleep-disordered breathing - obstructive sleep apnea - pulmonary hypertension - cor pulmonale

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