RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Resolution of Syncope With Treatment of Sleep Apnea
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP 466
OP 468
DO 10.3122/jabfm.2008.05.070274
VO 21
IS 5
A1 Floyd B. Willis
A1 Amber L. Isley
A1 Yonas E. Geda
A1 Ali Shaygan
A1 Luther Quarles IV
A1 Paul A. Fredrickson
YR 2008
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/21/5/466.abstract
AB Sleep apnea is a common disorder associated with obesity and related health problems. Although treatment of sleep apnea may relieve some autonomic symptoms, it is currently unknown whether treatment of sleep apnea is specifically associated with the resolution of orthostatism and syncope. Herein we describe a 73-year-old man who had recurrent episodes of syncope. An extensive work-up, including cardiac and neurologic consultations, failed to identify the cause. An objective sleep evaluation led to the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Accordingly, the patient was treated with continuous positive airway pressure, which resolved the syncopal episodes. This case report generates a potentially important hypothesis that recurrent syncope may be effectively treated, in part, by correcting apnea. In patients with recurrent syncope of unknown etiology, a diagnosis of sleep apnea should be considered.