Pulmonary hypertension and the right ventricle: what's practically important?

Pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure are the focus, emphasizing the importance of understanding the condition's definition, measurement, and impact. The current definition of pulmonary hypertension is a mean pulmonary artery pressure at rest greater than 25 mmHg, with values between 21-24 mmHg warranting follow-up. While ECHO is a useful screening tool, right heart catheterization remains the gold standard for measurement. The discussion highlights that pulmonary hypertension, though difficult to detect due to nonspecific symptoms, is associated with common conditions and carries significant risk in both cardiac and non-cardiac surgical settings. The presentation underscores the need to address basics like oxygenation, CO2 control, and blood pressure support in critically ill patients with pulmonary hypertension, and to recognize the signs of right ventricular failure.