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29-Apr-2026
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Arch Hellen Med, 43(4), July-August 2026, 456-466 REVIEW Current and emerging therapeutic approaches in the management of pulmonary hypertension G.T. Papamitouka, P. Theodosis-Nobelos, G. Papagiouvannis |
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by elevated pressure (>20 mmHg) in the pulmonary arteries, leading to right heart failure if left untreated. It is caused by various pathological mechanisms related to cardiopulmonary damage and primarily affects women over 65 years old (1% of the global population). Severe forms have a poor prognosis. The main symptom is dyspnea, which initially appears with exertion and later at rest. Diagnosis includes taking a detailed history, clinical examination, laboratory tests, and confirmation via right heart catheterization. The therapeutic approach includes general supportive measures, while specific pharmacological treatment mainly targets pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with drugs that act on the endothelin, nitric oxide (NO), and prostacyclin pathways. Combination therapy with two or three agents is often more effective. Surgical treatment is an option in certain cases. The development of newer, more targeted drugs promises significant improvements in disease management.
Key words: Emerging therapies, Endothelin pathway, Nitric oxide pathway, Novel treatment options, Prostacyclin pathway, Pulmonary arterial hypertension, Pulmonary hypertension.
