Primary pulmonary hypertension: a review for advanced practice nurses
Adiutori, D.M.
Medsurg Nursing Official Journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses 9(5): 255-264
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1092-0811 PMID: 11904905 Document Number: 513786
Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare entity of unknown etiology, manifested as narrowing and obstruction of the pulmonary arteries leading to elevated pulmonary artery pressures. Left untreated, these high pressures can lead to right ventricular dilation, right heart failure, and death within 3 to 5 years. Over the last decade, advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of PPH. Advanced practice nurses and other expert nurses can use and interpret diagnostic and therapeutic medical regimens currently available to identify and treat this rare condition.