[Cor pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension. Update after the world conference in Nice]

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common phenomenon which may occur as a consequence of various diseases (e.g. heart failure, chronic lung diseases and pulmonary embolism), as a distinct disease of the small pulmonary arterioles or a combination of both. Independent from the origin, PH has an important impact on patient symptoms and prognosis. Establishment of an exact diagnosis and classification as well as an understanding of the hemodynamic interrelationships provide the basis for often challenging treatment decisions. Recently, the fifth World Symposium on PH took place in Nice, France, where important standards and definitions were specified. The most relevant results including the rating of novel treatment options are summarized in this article.