Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
[Pulmonary function testing in Chinese patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension]
Zhi-Cheng Jing1, Xi-Qi Xu, Yan Wu
1Department of Internal Medicine, Fu Wai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100037, China. jingzhicheng@medmail.com.cn
Objective:
To determine the diagnostic value of pulmonary function testing in Chinese patients with known pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) without history of lung/heart valve diseases.
Methods:
Pulmonary function testing was performed in 41 PAH patients diagnosed by right heart catheterization and in 17 healthy controls.
Results:
Normal pulmonary function testing results were found in 5 PAH patients (12.2%). Total lung capacity, vital capacity and FEV1 were significantly decreased in PAH patients [(80.27 +/- 11.46)% vs. (94.24 +/- 6.82)%; (79.09 +/- 14.89)% vs. (97.35 +/- 9.51)%; (75.40 +/- 16.58)% vs. (95.12 +/- 12.01)%, respectively, all P < 0.001], the ratio of residual volume/total lung capacity was significantly increased [(117.67 +/- 25.73)% vs. (93.39 +/- 10.87)%, P < 0.001]; FEV1/FVC and maximal expiratory flow of 25% to 75% tended to be lower (-6.0% and -19.4%, P = 0.21 and 0.09) while DLCO and DLCO/VA were significantly decreased by 36.6% and 29.8% (P < 0.001) compared with healthy controls.
Conclusions:
Increased peripheral airway obstruction and normal lung resistance were found in these PAH patients. Normal pulmonary function testing results could not rule out the diagnosis of PAH.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
