pulmonary arterial hypertension classification

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a cardiovascular condition, and its categorization aids in comprehending the disease's etiology and selecting the appropriate therapeutic approaches. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies PAH into five distinct groups based on their underlying causes.

The first group encompasses PAH associated with left heart disease, where the heart's inefficiency in pumping blood leads to pulmonary blood accumulation and increased pulmonary arterial pressure. The second group involves PAH stemming from lung diseases or hypoxemia, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or sleep apnea syndrome. The third category is characterized by PAH due to pulmonary artery obstruction, most frequently caused by pulmonary embolism, where blood clots block the pulmonary arteries. The fourth group includes PAH attributable to chronic lung diseases or chest wall deformities, like interstitial lung disease or scoliosis. The fifth and final group consists of PAH with unknown origins or multifactorial causes, where pinpointing the etiology can be challenging.

For individuals with PAH, it is crucial to avoid strenuous physical activity and excessive fatigue in daily life, and to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, including smoking cessation and moderate alcohol consumption, along with a balanced diet. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate is essential, and adherence to prescribed medical treatment is imperative without self-adjustment of medication or dosage. Timely medical consultation is advised at the first sign of discomfort.