Pulmonary hypertension for the non-specialist

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare and complex disease that arises from a wide range of underlying conditions. Therapeutic options have expanded enormously over the last two decades resulting in major improvements in prognosis for some patients. As a consequence, it is vital that the disease is recognised early and referred on to specialist centres for further investigation and definitive diagnosis to improve prognosis in this life-altering condition. Unfortunately, it remains the case in the UK that there is a delay in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, often months or years after the onset of symptoms. This review aims to highlight key points in initial management and referral of patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension and presents three cases to underline these areas.