Pulmonary hypertension

Question 1

define pulmonary hypertension?

Answer 1

an increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure which can be caused by or associated with a wide variety of other conditions.

Question 2

what are the risk factors for pulmonary hypertension?

Answer 2

there are a variety of causes:
- o Idiopathic
o Problems with smaller branches of the pulmonary arteries
o Left ventricular failure
o Lung disease (e.g. COPD, interstitial lung disease)
o Thromboses

Question 3

what is the epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension?

Answer 3

rare

Question 4

presenting symptoms of pulmonary hypertension?

Answer 4

• Progressive breathlessness
• Weakness/tiredness
• Exertional dizziness and syncope
• LATE STAGE - oedema and ascites

Question 5

signs of pulmonary hypertension?

Answer 5

• Right ventricular heave
• Loud pulmonary S2
• Murmur - pulmonary regurgitation
• Tricuspid regurgitation
• Raised JVP
• Peripheral oedema
• Ascites

Question 6

investigations for pulmonary hypertension?

Answer 6

• CXR - exclude other lung diseases
• ECG - right ventricular hypertrophy
• Pulmonary function tests
• LFTs - liver damage –> portal hypertension
• Lung biopsy - interstitial lung disease
• Echocardiography - assess right ventricular function