Pulmonary arterial hypertension: Basic knowledge for clinicians.

Authors :: Santos-Ribeiro D
Mendes-Ferreira P
Maia-Rocha C
Adão R
Leite-Moreira AF
Brás-Silva C
Source :: Archives of cardiovascular diseases [Arch Cardiovasc Dis] 2016 Oct; Vol. 109 (10), pp. 550-561. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Aug 29.
Publication Year :: 2016
Abstract: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive syndrome based on diverse aetiologies, which is characterized by a persistent increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and overload of the right ventricle, leading to heart failure and death. Currently, none of the available treatments is able to cure pulmonary arterial hypertension; additional research is therefore needed to unravel the associated pathophysiological mechanisms. This review summarizes current knowledge related to this disorder, and the several experimental animal models that can mimic pulmonary arterial hypertension and are available for translational research.<br /> (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)