The following is a summary of “Endothelial function correlates with pulmonary pressures in subjects with clinically suspected pulmonary hypertension,” published in the June 2024 issue of Cardiology by Correale et al.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) often involves impaired blood flow dynamics in the lungs.
Researchers conducted retrospective research to verify any association between blood vessel expansion during flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and hemodynamic parameters at right heart catheterization (RHC) in patients with suspected PH.
They enrolled consecutive outpatients suspected of PH. The endothelial function was assessed using FMD and derived hemodynamic parameters (pulmonary artery parameters [PAP] and pulmonary vascular resistances [PVR]) by using RHC in all patients.
The results showed that 95 consecutive patients with suspected PH were included in the study. The average age was 63 years (SD 13 years), and 58% were male. FMD values showed a significant negative correlation with systolic PAP (r= -0.21, P=0.078). In multivariable analysis with age, gender, TAPSE, peak-TVR, and FMD, FMD remained significantly correlated with systolic PAP (B=-47, P=0.02). Patients grouped by median peak TRV and FMD levels showed progressively higher systolic PAP, mean PAP, and PVR (P for trend<0.001 for all).
Investigators concluded that in patients suspected of having PH, FMD values inversely correlated with systolic PAP. When combined with peak TRV levels, FMD was predictive of higher systolic and mean PAP and increased PVR.
Source: ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149(24)00454-5/abstract#%20