

36. The Little Ventricle That Could- Pulmonary Hypertension
7 snips Sep 8, 2019
Delve into the classifications, diagnostic procedures, and management strategies for pulmonary hypertension in this episode. Learn about the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic workup for guiding treatment decisions.
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WHO Pulmonary Hypertension Groups
- Pulmonary hypertension is classified into five WHO groups based on underlying heart-lung circuit pathology.
- Each group has distinct causes including vascular resistance, left heart disease, lung disorders, thromboembolism, and miscellaneous causes.
Right Ventricle Response to Pressure
- The right ventricle adapts to increased pressure by remodeling and dilation but can fail when oxygen demand surpasses supply.
- This failure results in right-sided heart failure or cor pulmonale, a key consequence of pulmonary hypertension.
Clinical Assessment Tips
- Use history and physical exam to assess pulmonary hypertension severity and underlying causes.
- Look for clues like left heart disease, lung disease, connective tissue disorders, drugs, and thromboembolic history.