Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Hypertension: The State of the Science

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) comprises a group of disorders that reflect an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 5 etiologies/types of PH, based on the underlying pathological mechanisms. Initial symptoms of PH are shortness of breath (which often comes on precipitously) and exertional dyspnea. Left untreated, PH ultimately leads to right-heart failure.
A number of therapeutic specialists (cardiology, pulmonology, and primary care, especially internal medicine) are involved in the diagnosis and care of PH. Because symptoms are nonspecific, most patients with PH are not correctly diagnosed for 2 to 5 years after symptom onset, and life expectancy is only approximately 3-5 years after diagnosis. Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Hypertension: The State of the Science is designed to help improve the diagnosis of PH by exploring its complex nature and poor prognosis. The education will help clinicians recognize suspected PH and refer those patients to a PH specialty center, where interdisciplinary teams are available and newer treatments can be offered to prolong life and improve QoL.