Increased Pulmonary Artery Pressure

Question 1

What is asbestosis?

Answer 1

Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease due to exposure to asbestos
- progressive, diffuse inflammation and fibrosis of lung parenchyma causing disruption and destruction of the A-C membrane

Question 2

What is the effect of pulmonary hypertension on RA and systemic venous pressures?

Answer 2

They will be increased

Question 3

What is the effect of increased systemic venous pressure on the systemic capillary bed?

Answer 3

Peripheral oedema
Ascites
Pleural effusion

Question 4

What is the most common cause of pulmonary hypertension?

Answer 4

Increased pulmonary vascular resistance

• vasoconstriction (low alveolar O2)
• obstruction (embolism)
• obliteration (emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis)

Question 5

What are the other causes of pulmonary hypertension?

Answer 5

Increased LA pressure (mitral stenosis)

Increased pulmonary blood flow (high flow states, L-R shunts)