Pulmonary Hypertension Flashcards
Define Pulmonary Hypertension?
An increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure which can be caused or associated with a wide variety of other conditions
What are the other causes of Pulmonary Hypertension?
Idiopathic
Problems with smaller branches of the pulmonary arteries
Left Ventricular Failure
Lung Disease (e.g. COPD, Interstitial lung disease)
Thromboses/Emboli in the lungs
What is the epidemiology of Pulmonary Hypertension?
Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension is RARE
More common in severe respiratory and cardiac disease
What are the presenting symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension?
Progressive breathlessness Weakness/tiredness Exertional dizziness and syncope Late Stage - Oedema and ascites Angina and tachycarrhythmia
What are the signs of Pulmonary Hypertension on physical examination?
Right ventricular heave Loud pulmonary second heart sound Murmur - pulmonary regurgitation Tricuspid Regurgitation Raised JVP Peripheral oedema Ascites
What investigations would you do for Pulmonary Hypertension?
CXR ECG Pulmonary function tests LFTs Lung Biopsy Echocardiography Right Heart Catheterisation
Why would you do a CXR for Pulmonary Hypertension?
Exclude other lung diseases
Why would you do an ECG for Pulmonary Hypertension?
Right Ventricular Hypertrophy and strain
Why would you do LFTs for Pulmonary Hypertension?
Liver damage leads to portal hypertension
Why would you do a lung biopsy for Pulmonary Hypertension?
Interstitial Lung Disease
Why would you do an Echocardiography for Pulmonary Hypertension?
Assess right ventricular function
