Pulmonary hypertension, a condition characterized by high pressure in the blood vessels between the lungs and heart, remains challenging to diagnose and treat consistently across the United States. In response, the American Lung Association and Pulmonary Hypertension Association have introduced a new tool titled "Guidance to the Guidelines" aimed at aiding primary care providers.
The complexity of pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis and treatment varies geographically and among healthcare providers. Many primary care physicians lack expertise in rare lung diseases, necessitating additional guidance for recognizing symptoms, ordering diagnostic tests, and determining when to refer patients to specialists.
Albert Rizzo, Chief Medical Officer for the American Lung Association, noted that diagnosing PH can be difficult due to its initial signs mimicking other lung diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He emphasized that managing PH often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving active patient participation.
In 2022, new guidelines were developed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) to aid in PH diagnosis and treatment. These guidelines incorporate recent advancements but are complex and need adaptation for U.S. healthcare providers due to system intricacies and population diversity.
Matt Granato, President and CEO of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, stated that their scientific leaders collaborated with the American Lung Association to simplify complex information about PH for healthcare professionals less familiar with it. Granato expressed hope that this initiative would lead to earlier diagnoses, allowing patients access to specialized care sooner.
To enhance PH diagnosis and care in the U.S., a scientific roundtable was convened on April 8, 2024. Experts developed decision-making flowcharts based on current guidelines for distributing "Guidance to the Guidelines" nationwide.
The "Guidance to the Guidelines" document is now available for healthcare providers seeking improved strategies for diagnosing and managing pulmonary hypertension.
