Cardiology clinics
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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a specific, rare disease characterized by a well-described pattern of pulmonary vascular remodeling. The elevated pulmonary artery pressure in PAH results in increased right ventricular afterload, which, if untreated, leads rapidly to right ventricular failure and death. ⋯ However, delays in diagnosis and suboptimal treatment remain significant barriers to achieving optimal patient outcomes. Continued success in raising PAH awareness, earlier diagnosis, and the availability of new therapies mean a promising future for PAH patients.