TY - JOUR T1 - Sleep apnea ABCs: Airway, breathing, circulation JF - Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO - Cleve Clin J Med SP - 479 LP - 489 DO - 10.3949/ccjm.81gr.14002 VL - 81 IS - 8 AU - Reena Mehra Y1 - 2014/08/01 UR - http://www.ccjm.org/content/81/8/479.abstract N2 - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly common but largely underrecognized. Untreated, it is associated with heart disease, stroke, and sudden nocturnal death. Simple clinical assessments can determine if a patient is likely to have OSA and is a candidate for diagnostic polysomnography. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the mainstay of treatment and ameliorates symptoms as well as long-term sequelae. Patient education and effective troubleshooting and evaluation of CPAP adherence issues increase successful adjustment to therapy. Alternative treatments can be considered in those whose OSA does not respond to standard CPAP therapy. ER -