[Current recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension]

Abstract

Spiroergometry and Doppler stress echocardiography are recommended in cases of suspected but unproven pulmonary hypertension (PHT). Treatment of the underlying disease is indicated when there is pulmonary hypertension associated with disease of the left heart or the lungs. Surgery is indicated if there if the PHT is caused by chronic thromboembolism. PAH patients in NYHA class III-IV who do not meet response criteria to acute vasodilators, can be treated with prostanoids, endothelin receptor antagonists or phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.