title: Therapeutic options for severe pulmonary hypertension.
abstract: Pulmonary hypertension occurs as a consequence of numerous and varied conditions, all of which result in an elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in understanding the factors which contribute to the progressive nature of pulmonary vascular disease, and in identifying new treatments for pulmonary hypertension. The majority of these therapeutic options are pharmacologic, but for specific circumstances, surgical therapy may be a consideration. This article discusses nonspecific therapies for all patients with pulmonary hypertension, vasodilator therapy (including screening for vasodilator responsiveness, standard oral agents, and newer intravenous or inhalational therapies) and surgical options applicable to specific situations.
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, USA.
authors.forename: H I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Palevsky
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004691:Endarterectomy; D006346:Heart Septum / Q000601:surgery; D016041:Heart-Lung Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000628:therapy*; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014665:Vasodilator Agents