Vascular Medicine Conference-CVC 2026

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a long-term, progressive condition that leads to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This heightened pressure makes the right ventricle work overtime, which can eventually cause it to enlarge and lead to heart failure. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, and in more advanced stages, fainting. PAH can be idiopathic, hereditary, or linked to other health issues like connective tissue diseases, congenital heart defects, or chronic thromboembolic disease.

To diagnose PAH, doctors typically use echocardiography, right heart catheterization, and various imaging studies to evaluate pulmonary pressures and the vascular structure. Blood tests, pulmonary function tests, and exercise assessments are also conducted to determine the severity of the disease and any related conditions.

Treatment options focus on targeted therapies, including endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, prostacyclin analogues, oxygen therapy, and anticoagulants. In more severe cases, lung transplantation might be an option. Early detection and a thorough treatment plan can significantly improve symptoms, slow down disease progression, and enhance the quality of life for those living with PAH.