Reversal of severe pulmonary hypertension with beta blockade in a patient with end stage left ventricular failure

Pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease: characteristics, emerging concepts, and treatment strategies

Left heart disease (LHD) represents the most common causes of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Whether caused by systolic or diastolic dysfunction or valvular heart disease, a hallmark of PH associated with LHD is elevated left atrial pressure. In all cases, the increase in left atrial pressure causes a passive increase in pulmonary pressure. In some patients, a superimposed active component caused by pulmonary arterial vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling may lead to a further increase in pulmonary arterial pressure. When present, PH is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with LHD. In addition to local abnormalities in nitric oxide and endothelin production, gene modifiers such as serotonin polymorphisms may be associated with the pathogenesis of PH in LHD. Optimizing heart failure regimens and corrective valve surgery represent the cornerstone of the treatment of PH in LHD. Recent studies suggest that sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, is a promising agent in the treatment of PH in LHD. Unloading the left ventricle with circulatory support may also reverse severe PH in patients with end-stage heart failure allowing candidacy to heart transplantation.

Pulmonary hypertension in heart failure

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension occurs in 60% to 80% of patients with heart failure and is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pulmonary artery pressure correlates with increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Therefore, pulmonary hypertension is a common feature of heart failure with preserved as well as reduced systolic function. Pulmonary hypertension is partially reversible with normalization of cardiac filling pressures. Pulmonary vasculature remodeling and vasoconstriction create a second component, which does not reverse immediately, but has been shown to improve with vasoactive drugs and especially with left ventricular assist devices.

CONCLUSION

Many drugs used for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension are being considered as treatment options for heart failure-related pulmonary hypertension. This is of particular significance in the heart transplant population. Randomized clinical trials with interventions targeting heart failure patients with elevated pulmonary artery pressure would be justified.