Episode 59: Pulmonary HTN with Jochen Steppan

Pulmonary hypertension, a disease of the pulmonary vasculature, is defined by a mean pulmonary artery pressure greater than 25 mmHg at rest, diagnosed via right heart catheterization. Dr. Jochen Steppan, a cardiac anesthesiologist, clarifies that while RVSP from an echo is often used, it requires assumptions about the pulmonic valve and CVP. Symptoms like shortness of breath are more indicative of severity than pressure readings alone, with underlying causes significantly impacting treatment strategies. Managing these patients perioperatively involves considering their medication regimen, such as Flolan or Sildenafil, and being vigilant for pulmonary hypertensive crises, characterized by a sudden increase in pulmonary vascular resistance.