Considerations in the Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Left Heart Disease

JACC Heart Fail. 2024 Aug;12(8):1328-1342. doi: 10.1016/j.jchf.2024.04.031. Epub 2024 Jul 3.

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease (PH-LHD) remains the most common cause of pulmonary hypertension globally. Etiologies include heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction and left-sided valvular heart diseases. Despite the increasing prevalence of PH-LHD, there remains a paucity of knowledge about the hemodynamic definition, diagnosis, treatment modalities, and prognosis among clinicians. Moreover, clinical trials have produced mixed results on the usefulness of pulmonary vasodilator therapies for PH-LHD. In this expert review, we have outlined the critical role of meticulous hemodynamic evaluation and provocative testing for cases of diagnostic uncertainty. Therapeutic strategies-pharmacologic, device-based, and surgical therapies used for managing PH-LHD-are also outlined. PH-LHD in advanced heart failure, and the role of mechanical circulatory support in PH-LHD is briefly explored. An in-depth understanding of PH-LHD by all clinicians is needed for improved recognition and outcomes among patients with PH-LHD.

Keywords: aortic regurgitation; aortic stenosis; heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; left heart disease; mitral regurgitation; mitral stenosis; pulmonary hypertension; valvular heart disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Management
  • Heart Failure* / complications
  • Heart Failure* / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure* / therapy
  • Heart-Assist Devices
  • Hemodynamics / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary* / diagnosis
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary* / etiology
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary* / physiopathology
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary* / therapy
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / diagnosis
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / therapy

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents