Flashcard 6 - Anatomy and Physiology Flashcard Set for the Medical Assistant test

Orthopnea is a type of dyspnea (shortness of breath) that occurs when reclining or lying flat.

Orthopnea (orth/o = straight, -pnea = breath) is often associated with conditions such as heart failure or pulmonary edema. Patients with orthopnea may sleep in a chair or with the head elevated.