Patients with venous thromboembolism appear to have higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea than the general population

Abstract

Introduction: The link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains unclear. We sought to study a possible association between VTE and OSA.

Methods: We retrospectively collected data on patients with VTE between 1999 and 2009. Data on demographics and comorbidities were recorded as well as body mass index was calculated. Primary outcome was prevalence of OSA defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01051297).

Results: We identified 840 patients with VTE. Obstructive sleep apnea was confirmed in 130 (15.5% [13%-17.9%]). Compared to the control group (no OSA), those who had OSA were more obese (83.8% vs 43.8%) and had statistically higher prevalence of diabetes, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure.

Conclusions: The prevalence of OSA 15.5% (13%-17.9%) appears to be higher than that of the general population among patients with VTE. Our findings suggest a possible link between OSA and VTE.