Pulmonary Hypertension: Brief Review Article

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) 25 mmHg or greater at rest; this measurement is obtained during right heart catheterization. The exact prevalence of PH in the U.S. is unknown. Advances in hemodynamic studies of the right heart side and pulmonary circulations has helped improve our understanding of this condition. This better understanding aids the development of treatment agents aimed at improving quality of life, morbidity and mortality. Awareness of this condition and understanding the classification of PH and the available treatment modalities is crucial hence we aim to briefly review the classification, diagnosis and treatment of PH in this article.