Patient Care

How Should a Patient with Pulmonary Hypertension Be Evaluated, Managed?

Key Points

  • Transthoracic echocardiography is the most important initial test for evaluating for the presence of PH but can provide an inaccurate estimation of right heart pressures.
  • Patients with Group 2 and Group 3 PH require further evaluation, including RHC, if there is diagnostic uncertainty regarding the cause of PH, clinical worsening, or “out of proportion” PH.
  • RHC is ultimately required to confirm the diagnosis of PH and is also required to identify candidates for advanced therapies.
  • Inpatient management of all PH patients includes diuresis to manage volume overload, oxygen if needed, and vaccination. Further management depends on WHO Group.

References

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