pulmonary hypertension pvr

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), a condition that can lead to an excessive workload on the right ventricle, potentially resulting in heart failure. PVR is a critical measure of pulmonary circulation resistance, typically with a normal value below 3 Wood Units (WU). An elevation of PVR beyond this threshold may precipitate PH.

When examining the etiology of PH, we can consider causes ranging from the most common to the rarest. Commonly, PH arises from conditions such as pulmonary congestion due to left heart failure, pulmonary embolism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and interstitial lung disease. In these scenarios, the increase in PVR is usually secondary to another underlying disease. Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (IPAH) represents a more severe form of the disease, marked by abnormal proliferation of pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells, which significantly raises PVR. Additionally, rare causes include connective tissue diseases, congenital heart diseases, and HIV infection, which can also trigger PH.

For individuals with PH, it is crucial to avoid strenuous physical activity and excessive fatigue, and to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and adhering to a nutritious diet. Regular monitoring of their condition and compliance with prescribed medical treatment is essential; self-medication is not advised. Should symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or syncope occur, immediate medical attention is warranted.