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Diagnostic Approach to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

  • Chapter
Pulmonary Hypertension

Part of the book series: Contemporary Cardiology™ ((CONCARD))

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Abstract

Detecting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) requires an index of suspicion that is raised by the combination of exertional symptoms and suggestive physical findings such as increased intensity of P2. Cardiac echocardiography is the most useful noninvasive screening test. Diagnosing PAH requires a carefully directed workup that is focused on excluding other causes of pulmonary hypertension. Initially, noninvasive tests are used to confirm the suspicion for pulmonary hypertension and evaluate for secondary contributing factors, and cardiac catheterization is then performed to confirm suspected PAH. Functional testing such as the six-minute walk test and certain blood tests are proving useful in assessing responses to therapy. Additional testing can aid the clinician in determining prognosis and characterizing PAH severity, helping the decision-making process to optimize the choice and timing of treatment.

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Authors
  1. Ronald J. Oudiz
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA

    Nicholas S. Hill MD

  2. Pulmonary Center, Boston University, Boston, MA

    Harrison W. Farber MD

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© 2008 Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

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Oudiz, R.J. (2008). Diagnostic Approach to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. In: Hill, N.S., Farber, H.W. (eds) Pulmonary Hypertension. Contemporary Cardiology™. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-075-5_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-075-5_3

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-661-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60327-075-5

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