Subjects with venous insufficiency have high risk of obstructive sleep apnea in relationship to fluid shift.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in conditions characterized by fluid overload. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is associated to fluid overload that might interfere with OSA occurrence and severity.

Methods: A total of 180 patients with symptomatic CVI completed the Berlin questionnaire and were assessed for the presence of symptoms and signs of OSA and fluid shift.

Results: According to the Berlin questionnaire, 59 patients (33%) had high risk of OSA. The predictors of having a positive Berlin questionnaire were male sex, body mass index and symptoms possibly related to fluid shift.

Conclusions: Patients with CVI, a disease characterized by fluid overload, present high risk of OSA, which might be related to fluid shift.