Hemodynamic evaluation is an essential part of making the diagnosis and determining the prognosis in pulmonary hypertension. Analyzing changes in hemodynamic parameters can aid in devising the initial therapeutic approach, as well as in assessing response to treatment. Depending on the disease stage at which the hemodynamic evaluation is performed, some aspects, such as pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, cardiac index, or even the acute response to vasodilators, merit special attention. Although noninvasive methods of evaluating pulmonary circulation are under development, hemodynamic evaluation is still mandatory for patients presenting signs of or diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.
Hypertension, pulmonary; Hypertension, pulmonary; Hemodynamic processes; Pulmonary artery; Evidence-based medicine; Vasodilation; Vasodilator agents; Nitric oxide; Vascular resistance; Pulmonary circulation; Guidelines
