Pulmonary hypertension

Abnormally elevated pressure in the pulmonary circulation leading to progressive right ventricular overload, dysfunction, and potentially right-sided heart failure.

• Borderline: >20 mmHg

• Mild: 35-50 mmHg

• Moderate: 50-70 mmHg

• Severe: >70 mmHg

Causes

• Heart failure

  • Mitral valve disease

  • Aortic valve disease

  • Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction

  • Congenital heart defects

• Lung diseases and hypoxia

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Interstitial lung disease

  • Obstructive sleep apnea

  • Chronic hypoxemia

  • Pulmonary embolism

  • Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

  • Heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension

• Medication and drug-related causes

  • Methamphetamines

  • Cocaine

  • Appetite suppressants

• Systemic diseases

  • Scleroderma

  • Sarcoidosis

  • Sickle cell disease

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • HIV infection

  • Liver disease with portal hypertension

  • Thyroid disease