Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine
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Obstructive sleep apnea is common, underdiagnosed, undertreated, and highly associated with cardiovascular risk. It is characterized by daytime sleepiness and disrupted sleep and is confirmed by overnight sleep studies (polysomnography). Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) improves sleep and daytime sleepiness, but its effects on cardiovascular risk while promising, are still unclear.
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Advances have brought cautious hope for patients with this progressive and deadly disease. Intravenous prostanoids are still the most effective long-term medications, but oral options are available for select patients who are closely monitored. General internists and specialists in pulmonary, cardiac, and rheumatic diseases each have their role in managing these patients.