Editorial, Int J Cardiovasc Res Vol: 11 Issue: 1
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Natascha Sommer*
National Center for Cardiovascular Research Carlos III (CNIC), Cyber of Respiratory Diseases, Kerman, Iran
- *Corresponding Author:
- Natascha Sommer
National Center for Cardiovascular Research Carlos III (CNIC), Cyber of Respiratory Diseases, Kerman, Iran
E-mail:nataschasommer@cnic.es
Received date: 24 December, 2022; Manuscript No. ICRJ-22-56800;
Editor assigned date: 27 December, 2022; PreQC No. ICRJ-22-56800(PQ);
Reviewed date: 07 January, 2022; QC No ICRJ-22-56800;
Revised date: 17 January, 2022; Manuscript No. ICRJ-22-56800(R);
Published date: 24 January, 2022; DOI: 10.4172/2324-8602.1000455.
Citation: Natascha (2022) Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Int J Cardiovasc Res 11:1.
Abstract
The far more major predisposing factor for all-cause morbidity and death worldwide is systemic arterial hypertension, which is linked to an elevated risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Although proper treatment of hypertension reduces the worldwide burden of disease and mortality, less than half of persons with hypertension are aware of their condition, and many more are aware but not treated or managed insufficiently. Hypertension is caused by a complex interaction of environmental and pathophysiological variables affecting many systems, as well as a genetic predisposition. Accurate standardized Blood Pressure (BP) measurement, assessment of the patients' predicted risk of atherosclerotic CVD and evidence of target-organ damage, and detection of secondary causes of hypertension and the presence of comorbidities are all part of the evaluation of patients with hypertension (such as CVD and kidney disease). Lifestyle improvements, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, are useful in decreasing blood pressure and preventing hypertension and its CVD complications. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, dihydropyridine calciumchannel blockers, and thiazide diuretics are first-line antihypertensive drugs that are very efficient in decreasing blood pressure and preventing CVD outcomes in most patients.
Keywords: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Abstract
The far more major predisposing factor for all-cause morbidity and death worldwide is systemic arterial hypertension, which is linked to an elevated risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Although proper treatment of hypertension reduces the worldwide burden of disease and mortality, less than half of persons with hypertension are aware of their condition, and many more are aware but not treated or managed insufficiently. Hypertension is caused by a complex interaction of environmental and pathophysiological variables affecting many systems, as well as a genetic predisposition. Accurate standardized Blood Pressure (BP) measurement, assessment of the patients' predicted risk of atherosclerotic CVD and evidence of target-organ damage, and detection of secondary causes of hypertension and the presence of comorbidities are all part of the evaluation of patients with hypertension (such as CVD and kidney disease). Lifestyle improvements, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, are useful in decreasing blood pressure and preventing hypertension and its CVD complications. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics are first-line antihypertensive drugs that are very efficient in decreasing blood pressure and preventing CVD outcomes in most patients.
Introduction
Arterial hypertension is a long-term medical disorder characterized by high Blood Pressure (BP). It raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and renal failure, and is hence a leading cause of death worldwide. Blood pressure regulation remains unsatisfactory, despite recent therapeutic advancements. This is especially true in circumstances where there are multiple major comorbid conditions (e.g., kidney disease). As a result, achieving effective therapeutic intervention is critical, and continued research into the treatment of hypertension patients is necessary for optimal clinical management [1]. Although hypertension is rarely accompanied by symptoms, people with extremely high blood pressure may develop side effects (such as headaches, lightheadedness, vertigo, and/or fainting). However, whether such manifestations are directly linked to high blood pressure is still debated. Symptoms can also be linked to secondary hypertension, which occurs as a result of recognized underlying causes (e.g., kidney disease, endocrine abnormalities, or medications). As a result, regardless of the aetiology, hypertension-related symptoms can prompt individuals to seek medical help [2].
The majority of clinical care of hypertension is done on an outpatient basis, using lifestyle changes and/or antihypertensive medications. Hypertension, on the other hand, might be resistant to treatment. In this sense, multiple kinds of medicines, including reserve antihypertensive medications, might be combined to optimize treatment (e.g., Moxonidin, Ebrantil) [3]. Nonetheless, treating people with resistant hypertension can be difficult, and the consequences have yet to be fully understood.
According to recent research, hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure are more likely to be admitted to the hospital. As a result, some people will need inpatient treatment for high blood pressure. However, the elements that contribute to this, as well as the effectiveness of such therapy, are unknown [4]. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine which patient characteristics are associated with the requirement for inpatient treatment of hypertension.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
In the presence of a normal or reduced cardiac output, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening illness of the pulmonary vasculature defined by a high mean pulmonary arterial pressure at rest of 25 mmHg and a normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (15 mmHg). Prostacyclin belongs to the prostaglandin family, and dysregulation of prostacyclin pathways has been linked to PAH pathogenesis, which is why prostacyclin analogues are used to treat it. Endothelin's vasoconstrictor and prothrombotic activity is countered by these powerful vasodilators and platelet aggregation inhibitors. They connect to the prostacyclin receptor (IP receptor), a G-protein coupled receptor found on platelets and vascular smooth muscle cells' surfaces [5]. The receptor's activation causes the creation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, which relaxes vascular smooth muscle.
Epoprostenol, a synthetic prostacyclin analogue given as a continuous intravenous infusion, was the first targeted PAH medication licensed, and it improved patients' prognoses. However, its usage is severely limited due to its complicated administration and the possibility of major side effects after acute and chronic treatment. Subcutaneously given treprostinil, which is also available for intravenous and inhalation usage in the United States, and inhaled iloprost are two alternatives to epoprostenol. While these prostanoids address some of the disadvantages of epoprostenol, they also have downsides such as frequent dosage (iloprost), injection site pain (subcutaneous treprostinil), and classic prostanoid side effects include headache, flushing, diarrhoea, and jaw pain [6]. In the treatment of PAH, an oral prostacyclin analogue might be quite beneficial. However, all studies with oral prostacyclin analogues, such as beraprost and oral treprostinil, to date have failed to demonstrate a long-term treatment impact as measured by the key efficacy end-point.
Selexipag is a selective IP receptor agonist that can be used orally. It is rapidly hydrolyzed into an active metabolite in the hepatic microsomes. The human IP receptor has a higher binding affinity for Selexipag and its active metabolite than any other prostanoid receptor. The IP receptor has a >130-fold greater affinity for selexipag's active metabolite than the prostaglandin receptors [7]. Although selexipag and its metabolite have comparable mechanisms of action to endogenous prostacyclin (IP receptor agonism), they are chemically unique and have a different pharmacology than prostacyclin. As a result, selexipag could be an appealing oral option to the currently available prostacyclin analogues for PAH treatment.
Classification
The syndrome is characterized as essential hypertension when there is no discernible underlying cause of hypertension. (Idiopathic hypertension is another name for essential hypertension.) This is by far the most frequent form of high blood pressure, with 90% to 95% of individuals suffering from it. Essential hypertension appears to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying condition that might be renal, neurologic, or endocrine in nature; examples include Bright disease (glomerulonephritis; inflammation of the urine-producing organs in the kidney), cerebral atherosclerosis, and Cushing syndrome (hyperactivity of the adrenal glands). Correction of the underlying cause of secondary hypertension may cure the hypertension [8]. Blood pressure can also be raised by a variety of extrinsic factors. Cocaine, amphetamines, cold cures, thyroid supplements, corticosteroids, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs), and oral contraceptives are examples of these substances.
A sustained or sudden rise in diastolic blood pressure above 120 mmHg is indicative of malignant hypertension, as is evidence of damage to organs such as the eyes, brain, heart, and kidneys. Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency that necessitates rapid treatment and admission to the hospital.
Epidemiology
In affluent countries, high blood pressure is one of the most serious public health issues. Nearly 30% of the adult population in the United States, for example, is hypertensive. African Americans have a higher prevalence and severity of high blood pressure. Age, race, sex, smoking, alcohol use, high serum cholesterol, salt consumption, glucose intolerance, obesity, and stress are all factors that can influence the severity and prognosis of the condition [9, 10]. The risk of getting high blood pressure rises with age in both men and women.
As it frequently causes no symptoms, hypertension has earned the moniker "silent killer." It is important, therefore, for anyone with risk factors to have their blood pressure checked regularly and to make appropriate lifestyle changes.
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