Pulmonary hypertension at rest is defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure greater than what value?

Pulmonary hypertension at rest is defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure greater than what value?

• A. 30 mmHg
• B. 20 mmHg
• C. 40 mmHg
• D. 25 mmHg

Answer: (D)

Pulmonary hypertension at rest is defined by an elevation in the mean pressure of the pulmonary artery when measured invasively, because noninvasive estimates can be imprecise. The classic diagnostic threshold is a mean pulmonary arterial pressure greater than 25 mmHg at rest, as measured by right heart catheterization. This distinguishes normal pulmonary pressures from PH, since normal mPAP tends to be well below that range. Right heart catheterization is the gold standard for confirming PH, while echocardiography can suggest its presence but is not definitive. While some newer definitions have explored lowering the threshold or adding other criteria, exams commonly use the traditional rest threshold of 25 mmHg.

Pulmonary hypertension at rest is defined by an elevation in the mean pressure of the pulmonary artery when measured invasively, because noninvasive estimates can be imprecise. The classic diagnostic threshold is a mean pulmonary arterial pressure greater than 25 mmHg at rest, as measured by right heart catheterization. This distinguishes normal pulmonary pressures from PH, since normal mPAP tends to be well below that range. Right heart catheterization is the gold standard for confirming PH, while echocardiography can suggest its presence but is not definitive. While some newer definitions have explored lowering the threshold or adding other criteria, exams commonly use the traditional rest threshold of 25 mmHg.