Increased PVR leading to PH in COPD

Question 1

Increased pulmonary vascular resistance leading to PH in COPD

Answer 1

arises as a result of two possible mechanisms

Question 2

The first being a reduction in pulmonary vascular bed due to inflammation

Answer 2

destruction of pulmonary parenchyma and obstruction of vascular lumen caused by changes in structure of vessel wall caused by underlying disease process

Question 3

However the second mechanism and that most relevant to high altitude

Answer 3

is hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH)

Question 4

The relevance of hypoxia in the pathogenesis of PH associated with COPD has been well demonstrated

Answer 4

where long term oxygen therapy reduces pulmonary hypertension leading to improved patient survival (Weitzenblum et al. 1985)