Pulmonary hypertension complicating congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease can predispose individuals to pulmonary vascular remodeling as a result of the abnormality in pulmonary blood flow and pressure that accompanies the specific congenital defect being considered. Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart defects is an important determinant of functional capacity and survival, especially when the Eisenmenger's state of reversed shunt is present. The likelihood of right ventricular dysfunction and failure increases with the degree of pulmonary artery pressure. Thus, the aim of disease management in this patient population should be to prevent or improve right heart failure. Current therapies that modify the progression of pulmonary vascular disease-including endothelin-1 receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, and prostanoids-should be considered carefully in patients with congenital heart disease-associated pulmonary hypertension. The risks and benefits of altering the balance of pulmonary vascular resistance to systemic vascular resistance must be weighed for each patient.