Define pulmonary hypertension (PH)
An elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) > 20 mm Hg at rest (normal: 10–14 mm Hg)
Name both subtypes of PH
Precapillary pulmonary hypertension
Postcapillary pulmonary hypertension
Define precapillary PH
Pulmonary vascular remodeling leads to increased pulmonary vascular resistance.
Caused by pulmonary arterial hypertension, chronic lung disease, chronic thromboembolism, or certain multifactorial mechanisms
Right heart catheterization shows increased pulmonary vascular resistance (≥ 3 Wood units) and reduced pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)
Define postcapillary PH
Results from increased pulmonary venous pressure
Caused by left heart disease and certain multifactorial mechanisms
Right heart catheterization shows increased PCWP; pulmonary vascular resistance is typically normal.
Define pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
a type of precapillary pulmonary hypertension characterized by loss and obstructive remodeling of the pulmonary vascular bed that results in increased pulmonary arterial pressure
Remember!
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a cause of pulmonary hypertension. However, not all pulmonary hypertension is caused by pulmonary arterial hypertension
Last changed2 years ago