Pulmonary HTN Flashcards
What is normal pulmonary BP?
8-15 mmHg at rest
Pulmonary HTN is considered pressure above what?
Above 20mmHg at rest
What is the usual cause of pulmonary HTN?
Increased pulmonary vascular resistance
What is WHO functional class I defined as?
No physical limitations
What is WHO functional class II defined as?
Slight limitation of physical activity but comfortable at rest
What is WHO functional class III defined as?
Marked limitation of physical activity but comfortable at rest
What is WHO functional class IV defined as?
Unable to carry out physical activity without sx; may have sx at rest
In addition to a PAP above 20, what other two diagnostic criteria are required for arterial pulmonary HTN?
PCWP less than or equal to 15, PVR greater than or equal to 3
Syncope may occur in which WHO functional class?
Class IV
What can a bubble study show you?
Structural defects in the heart
What study should you do to tell if a PE is causing pulmonary HTN?
A VQ scan
Why should you get a sleep study for a pt with pulmonary HTN?
To rule out sleep apnea, which can cause pulm HTN
What is the gold standard diagnostic test for pulmonary HTN?
Right heart cath
When should you do a vasoreactivity test?
If you suspect pulmonary arterial HTN
What does it mean if a pt responds to vasoreactivity test?
That they would respond to calcium channel blockers
A right atrial pressure above what is a poor prognostic indicator?
Above 20
You should give calcium channel blockers only if a pt is what?
Vasoreactive
How is prostacyclin given?
As a round the clock infusion therapy
What is WHO group IV due to?
Chronic PE
Which WHO group should have surgery?
Group 4
Should pts with pulmonary arterial HTN be on anticoagulants?
Yes
Pts with PAH due to what should not be on anticoagulants?
Connective tissue disease
Should systemic pressures ever exceed pulmonary pressures in pulmonary HTN?
No
Why should you avoid intubation in pulmonary HTN?
Increases pressure which can worsen pulm HTN
What is the only definitive treatment for pulmonary HTN?
Lung transplant
