Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Increasing Pulmonary Artery Pulsatile Flow Improves Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension in Piglets
Published on: May 11, 2015
Management of pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious lung disease. New treatments offer hope, but access to PAH therapies is limited in South Africa, necessitating improved recognition and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, potentially fatal condition predominantly affecting young women.
- While the exact cause of PAH remains unclear, recent advancements in drug classes have improved patient prognosis.
- Therapeutic options for PAH are notably restricted within South Africa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the key aspects of Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
- To outline recommendations from the inaugural meeting of the Working Group on PAH.
- To address the limited therapeutic landscape for PAH in South Africa.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) pathophysiology.
- Consensus recommendations developed by the South African Heart Association and South African Thoracic Society Working Group on PAH.
- Analysis of the current availability and accessibility of PAH treatments in South Africa.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a significant health concern, particularly for young females.
- Despite global therapeutic advancements, South African patients face limited treatment options.
- A joint working group has been established to enhance PAH recognition and management.
Conclusions:
- Improved recognition and management strategies are crucial for Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients in South Africa.
- Addressing the limitations in therapeutic options is a priority for the Working Group on PAH.
- Collaborative efforts between the South African Heart Association and South African Thoracic Society aim to improve PAH patient outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
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: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
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,...
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...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...

