Endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension

Article Abstract:

Pulmonary (lung) hypertension is caused by a variety of disorders that affect blood flow to the lungs. These disorders may involve abnormalities at the cellular level in the blood vessels in the lungs. Cells that make up pulmonary blood vessels regulate blood flow and blood pressure. Endothelial cells, or the layer of cells that lines blood vessels, regulate blood vessel permeability, and are involved in other biochemical processes. These cells do not function properly in patients with primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension. A research study found that patients with pulmonary hypertension may produce decreased levels of a metabolic product of prostacyclin. Prostacyclin is a substance metabolized by endothelial cells that is involved in the regulation of blood vessels. Another study found that patients with pulmonary hypertension who are treated with calcium-channel blockers or warfarin survive longer than those who are not. These drugs may fulfill a function of the damaged endothelial cells in these patients.

Physiological aspects, Vascular endothelium

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A noninvasive method of predicting pulmonary-capillary wedge pressure

Article Abstract:

A new technique for measuring pulmonary-capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) may be instrumental in detecting congestive heart failure. PCWP is a useful indicator of heart and cardiovascular function, but present methods of measuring PCWP are invasive, complicated and not appropriate for routine screening purposes. In a study of 34 patients with heart disease, estimates of PCWP using the new method, known as the noninvasive peripheral-artery pulse-processing system, were compared with direct measurements of PCWP. The new method measures changes in blood pressure in one of the patients' fingers while they perform the Valsalva maneuver. These measurements were positively associated with PCWP values in this study group. Furthermore, the noninvasive technique accurately reflected changes in PCWP in patients responding to therapy or whose heart conditions worsened.

Diagnosis, Measurement, Congestive heart failure, Blood pressure

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Genetic clues to the cause of primary pulmonary hypertension

Article Abstract:

Two gene mutations have been identified that may predispose certain people toward primary pulmonary hypertension. One is a mutation in the gene for bone morphogenetic protein receptor II and the other is a mutation in the gene for activin-receptor-like kinase 1.

Health aspects, Gene mutations, Gene mutation, Genetic aspects

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