Strengths and Limitations of Current Therapeutic Options

EP: 1.Pathophysiology of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

EP: 2.Differential Diagnosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

EP: 3.Importance of Early Detection and Monitoring for Disease Progression

EP: 4.The Importance of Patient-Centered Care

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EP: 5.Strengths and Limitations of Current Therapeutic Options

EP: 6.Overview of Different Therapies for Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Disease Monitoring and Risk Stratification

Monitoring PAH patients requires a nuanced, multi-parameter approach that integrates subjective symptoms with objective measurements to assess disease progression and treatment response. Key monitoring tools include symptom assessment, six-minute walk testing for exercise capacity evaluation, and biomarker measurement using BNP or NT-proBNP levels as indicators of right ventricular function. These foundational assessments provide essential information about patient status and treatment effectiveness.

Advanced monitoring incorporates imaging studies such as echocardiography and cardiac MRI, along with repeat right heart catheterization when necessary. These more complex studies provide detailed information about right heart function and hemodynamic status, though they require careful interpretation and clinical correlation. The integration of multiple data points allows clinicians to determine patient position on the disease continuum and make informed decisions about therapy escalation.

Risk stratification tools, including European guidelines and French registry scores, utilize combinations of functional class, exercise capacity, and biomarker levels to predict patient outcomes. However, these tools should not be used in isolation, as individual patient characteristics, comorbidities, age, and treatment goals must be considered. Regular echocardiographic assessment remains crucial for monitoring right heart function, while right heart catheterization may be necessary for critical treatment decisions and goal assessment.