Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension *ACPE-Accredited*

This episode of Core Consult Rx discusses pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), focusing on its history, classification, diagnosis, and treatment. The hosts detail the condition's progression, from vasoconstriction to right ventricular failure, and highlight the imbalance between vasoconstrictors and vasodilators. They review the World Health Organization's classification of pulmonary hypertension, emphasizing PAH (Group 1) due to its extensive pharmacotherapy. Lifestyle adjustments, such as sodium restriction and specialized rehabilitation, are recommended alongside immunizations and contraception advice due to the high maternal mortality rate associated with pregnancy. The discussion covers vasoreactivity testing, calcium channel blockers, and advanced therapies, including endothelial receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, guanylate cyclase stimulants, and prostacyclin analogs, with specific drug recommendations based on functional class and risk assessment.