January 7, 2010Open Access
Pulmonary Hypertension in Cardiac Surgery
Key Result
This review discusses the definition, mechanisms, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of pulmonary hypertension in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Structured PICO
P
Population
Cardiac surgical patients with pulmonary hypertension
I
Intervention
Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic and preventive approaches
This review summarizes the mechanisms, relationship to right ventricular dysfunction, and therapeutic approaches for pulmonary hypertension in cardiac surgery patients.
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension is an important prognostic factor in cardiac surgery associated with increased morbidity and mortality. With the aging population and the associated increase severity of illness, the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in cardiac surgical patients will increase. In this review, the definition of pulmonary hypertension, the mechanisms and its relationship to right ventricular dysfunction will be presented. Finally, pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic and preventive approaches will be presented.