Volume 18: Issue 3

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left heart disease (LHD) is the most common cause of PH in clinical practice. The definition and classification of PH-LHD has evolved in the last 5 years from the 5th World Symposium on PH (WSPH) in 2013 to the most recent 6th WSPH in 2018. Differentiation of PH-LHD, especially PH due to heart failure with preserved ejection from pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic PH, can be very challenging. Finally, there is unclarity on the role of pulmonary vasodilators in the treatment of PH-LHD. The 6th WSPH consensus proceedings addresses all these topics in a detailed manner. In this article, we review the changes proposed by the 6th WSPH consensus proceedings in the definition, classification, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of PH-LHD.

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic, progressive heterogeneous disease that affects many individuals worldwide. Despite extensive research and therapeutic advances in the treatment of PH, the morbidity and mortality rates remain high, and this bears a significant economic burden on the health care system. PH-related morbidity is associated with disease progression and often requires hospitalization, which may be considered an important measure of clinical worsening.1 Current US third-party reimbursement systems can penalize hospitals for hospital readmission. A coordinated multidisciplinary approach to hospital discharge is required for patients with PH.

HOSPITALIZATION AND PH

Approximately 200,000 hospitalizations occur annually

Full Issue PDF

Memos

Editor's Memo

Hemodynamic Definitions and Updated Classification—Impact on Clinical Practice: A Conversation With Erika Berman Rosenzweig and Nicholas Hill

Risk Stratification—What's My Risk? A Practitioner's Tool

Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease—Combine or Not Combined? DPG In or Out? A Practical Approach to the Patient With Suspected Left Heart Disease

Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension on the World Stage: Do We Need Separate Neonatal Guidelines?

Pulmonary Hypertension Roundtable: Behind the Scenes at the World Symposium on PH 2018

PH Professional Network: Bridging the Gap: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Transitions of Care

INTRODUCTION

HOSPITALIZATION AND PH

Conference Abstracts

Guest Editor’s Memo

A Roundtable Discussion Addressing Patient-Centered Care and Quality of Life in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Editor’s Memo

Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Parenchymal Lung Disease