Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is traditionally defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure of ≥25 mmHg when a patient is at rest, though a mean pressure of >20 mm Hg is considered to be abnormal and may suggest the early stage of disease when detected in conjunction with elevated vascular resistance. Different forms of pulmonary hypertension are characterised by their underlying causes, which include arterial remodelling in Group 1, left-sided heart disease in Group 2, lung disease in Group 3, and clotting disorders in Group 4, however, the condition may be multifactorial and in many cases the cause may not be easily identified. Gold standard diagnosis is typically via right heart catheterisation, though a range of other confirmatory tests, including echocardiography and computed tomography, are typically performed. The condition is progressive and early diagnosis is important for effective treatment, which requires addressing the underlying causes of the disease. Where the cause of the condition is not well understood, as in pulmonary arterial hypertension, and where the cause is multifactorial, treatment options can be limited and further research is required to develop improved treatments and symptom management strategies that will improve patient quality of life.

This Collection will include original research that increases our understanding of the underlying causes of pulmonary hypertension or supports improved diagnosis, treatment or management of the disease.