Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) show a high prevalence of atherosclerotic disorders. Furthermore, they have evidence for accelerated vascular remodeling which is probably due to intermittent nocturnal hypoxia. Similarly, the prevalence of OSA is increased in patients suffering from aortic dissections and aneurysms. In addition, the presence of OSA is linked with more rapid aneurysm growth. The OSA-associated arterial hypertension with its characteristic non-dipping during sleep is supposed to play a key role within this context. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy may attenuate atherosclerosis, whereas its effects on the development and progression of aortic aneurysms have not yet been investigated.