Risk factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)- Obstructive sleep apnea is serious disorder characterized by snoring and disturbed breathing while sleep. If left untreated, it may have significant consequences in form of cardiovascular (increse risk of heart attacks and heart failure), cerebrovascular events (stroke) apart from poor sleep quality, cognitive impairment, excessive day time sleepiness. Most important risk factors for sleep apnea is obesity. Risk of developing OSA increase with increasing weight. Neck circumference and abdominal girth correlate with severity of OSA. OSA is more common in men compare to women because of male pattern of obesity. OSA is more common in post menopausal women compare to women of reproductive age. People who smoke or consume alcohol are at higher risk of OSA. Patients with certain hormonal disorder such as hypothyroidism and acromegaly are at higher risk of developing OSA. People with certain facial features such as Micrognathia (smaller jaw) and Retrognathia (back set jaw) are also at higher risk of OSA. Get your self evaluated for sleep disorder breathing if you happen to have any of these risk facor. Jairam Respiratory Health Mission Dr Saket Sharma MD, DM ( Pulmonary & Critical care).