Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Respiratory Diseases

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension is a common complication of many chronic respiratory diseases. The mechanisms contributing to the development of pulmonary hypertension in this context are multiple and go beyond chronic hypoxic vasoconstriction. Outcomes are universally worsened when pulmonary hypertension complicates chronic respiratory disease. Treatment strategies target the underlying disease, as pulmonary vasodilator therapy has proven largely ineffective in trials to date. This chapter summarizes current understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of pulmonary hypertension as it relates to a spectrum of chronic respiratory diseases.