Pulmonary Hypertension Flashcards
1
Q
What is pulmonary hypertension?
A
Increased resistance and pressure in the pulmonary arteries
2
Q
What is pulmonary hypertension defined as?
A
Mean pulmonary artery pressure of >20mmHg
3
Q
What are the 5 groups of causes of pulmonary hypertension?
A
- group 1: idiopathic pulmnary hypertension or connective tissue disease e.g. SLE
- group 2: left heart failure
- group 3: chronic lung diseases e.g. COPD + pulmonary fibrosis
- group 4: pulmonary vascular disease e.g. PE
- group 4: miscellaneous e.g. sarcoidosis, haematological disorders
4
Q
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension
A
- shortness of breath
- syncope
- tachycardia
- raised JVP
- hepatomegaly
- peripheral oedema
5
Q
Investigations of pulmonary hypertension
A
- ECG: right heart strain
- CXR: dilated pulmonary arteries + right ventricular hypertrophy
- echo
- raised NT-proBNP
6
Q
Management of idiopathic pulmonary hypertension
A
- CCBs
- IV prostaglandins e..g epoprostenol
- phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors e.g. sildenafil
- endothelin receptor antagonist e..g macitentan
7
Q
Management of secondary pulmonary hypertension
A
- treat the underlying cause
- O2
- diuretics for complications
