Managing Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension *ACPE-Accredited*

The Core Consult Rx podcast delivers an accredited episode focusing on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), emphasizing Group 1 within the broader classification of pulmonary hypertension. The hosts clarify terminology, distinguishing PAH from other pulmonary hypertension types linked to heart or lung disease. They explore genetic predispositions, risk factors like HIV, and the progressive vasoconstriction characteristic of PAH, which leads to right ventricular hypertrophy. The discussion covers diagnostic steps, including echocardiographic evaluation and right heart catheterization, plus WHO functional classes for assessing symptom severity. Lifestyle adjustments, such as low-sodium diets and exercise, are recommended. The hosts detail vasoactivity testing and various drug classes—endothelin receptor antagonists, PDE5 inhibitors, and prostacyclin analogs—along with their mechanisms, adverse effects, and evidence-based combinations for treatment-naive and progressing patients. The password for FreeCE members is PAH25.