Pulmonary arterial hypertension: a new era in management

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a heterogeneous condition with a wide range of causes. The diagnosis is often delayed or missed. PAH is covert in its early stages, when its detection and treatment should have the most impact. Access in Australia to effective PAH therapies has lagged behind that in other affluent countries. New agents for PAH, now becoming available, improve symptoms and reduce pulmonary resistance, with some demonstrating an ability to reverse remodelling of the right ventricle. Best management of PAH is comprehensive and multidisciplinary. Centres of excellence are needed in geographically strategic areas. Aggressive efforts must be made to diagnose PAH and to facilitate access to effective therapies.