Bradycardia-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Increasing Pulmonary Artery Pulsatile Flow Improves Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension in Piglets
Published on: May 11, 2015
Yuliang Long1, Wei Li2, Yingnan Bai1
1Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Current guidelines identify pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to tachycardia-driven high-output conditions (eg, anemia, thyrotoxicosis), whereas bradycardia-induced PH-a critical low-flow phenotype-has not been addressed.
Case Summary:
We present a case of atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response and PH. Pacemaker implantation was performed, and hemodynamic evaluation revealed that as the heart rate increased, pulmonary artery pressure progressively decreased. Postoperative cardiac function indices also improved.
Discussion:
This case, along with existing evidence, suggests that pacing with an elevated heart rate may represent a therapeutic strategy for atrial fibrillation combined with bradycardia-induced PH.
Take-Home Messages:
Profound bradycardia (<50 beats/min) may serve as a reversible contributor to PH. Personalized high pacing of the heart rate can enhance cardiac output, thereby reducing pulmonary vascular resistance and lowering pulmonary artery pressure.
Related Concept Videos
Decreased pulse rate
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with...
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
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...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
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...

