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Patent foramen ovale and obstructive sleep apnea: a new association?

Edmund M T Lau1, Brendon J Yee, Ronald R Grunstein

  • 1Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia. emtlau@bigpond.com

Sleep Medicine Reviews
|May 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Patent foramen ovale (PFO), a common heart defect, is increasingly linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This review explores their complex relationship, focusing on how PFO may impact OSA and vice versa.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a prevalent congenital heart defect, present in up to 25% of individuals.
  • PFO is associated with various medical conditions, including stroke, migraine, and decompression illness.
  • Emerging research suggests a significant clinical connection between PFO and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of the relationship between PFO and OSA.
  • To emphasize the pathophysiological interactions between PFO and OSA.
  • To discuss the clinical implications of the PFO-OSA association.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on PFO and OSA.
  • Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms linking PFO and OSA.
  • Evaluation of clinical evidence and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The review synthesizes current knowledge on the PFO-OSA link.
  • Pathophysiological interactions and clinical relevance are highlighted.
  • Minimally invasive PFO closure techniques are now available.

Conclusions:

  • The association between PFO and OSA warrants further investigation.
  • Understanding this relationship is crucial for patient management.
  • PFO closure may have implications for OSA treatment.

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