Sociodemographic determinants of Pulmonary Hypertension in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern India

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. Limited data exist on the demographics, echocardiographic profile, and quality of life of PH patients in the Indian population. The objective of this is to assess the demographics, clinical characteristics, echocardiographic parameters, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with pulmonary hypertension across different WHO groups.

This cross-sectional study included 114 patients diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension on echocardiographic criteria. This study aligns SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by addressing non-communicable disease burden and highlighting sociodemographic disparities in pulmonary hypertension. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Comprehensive echocardiographic assessment, including conventional measures and advanced indices such as RV tissue Doppler velocity and global longitudinal strain (GLS), was performed. HRQoL was evaluated using the EmPHasis-10 questionnaire. Intergroup comparisons were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.

The mean age was 57.1 ± 16 years, with a male predominance (64.9%). Group 2 PH (36%) was the most common etiology, followed by Group 1 PH (28.9%). Diabetes mellitus (68.4%) and hypertension (56.1%) were the most common comorbidities. RV function was impaired across all groups (mean TAPSE: 14.9 ± 4.42 mm; FAC: 34.2 ± 10.6%), with markedly reduced RV GLS (13.9 ± 5.2%). The RV tissue Doppler velocity differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.001). The mean EmPHasis-10 score was 42.2 ± 6.22, indicating substantial HRQoL impairment. Compared with the youngest group, patients in the oldest age group had greater than threefold greater odds of having severe disease (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.0-10.6; p = 0.048).

Pulmonary hypertension patients in this cohort presented with advanced functional limitations, high comorbidity burdens, and significant RV dysfunction. Older age is an independent predictor of severe disease. Advanced echocardiographic indices and HRQoL assessment provide valuable insights for early detection and comprehensive management.