Heart failure in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: the pitfalls to be avoided

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a disease affecting the small pulmonary arteries leading to a progressive right heart failure and ultimately to death if untreated. Episodes of acute right heart failure may occur during the course of this chronic disease. These episodes are severe and seem to have an influence on the course of the underlying disease. To date, there are no consensual standardized guidelines and therapeutics relies on the management of the major pathophysiological endpoints in this setting. The issue of monitoring is also unsolved. After a review of pulmonary arterial hypertension management in stable condition, we will consider these points, in order to avoid potential pitfalls in the management of such patients harboring right ventricular failure.