Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Abstract

Pulmonary vascular disease is characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the pulmonary arteries and arterioles. This results in elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and ventilation/perfusion mismatch. As the disease progresses, these vascular changes may result in right ventricular dysfunction. These abnormalities may have profound consequences upon the physiologic measurements obtained during an exercise. Data from exercise testing also carries important clinical implications.