Exercise in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev. 2008 Jan-Feb;28(1):12-6. doi: 10.1097/01.HCR.0000311502.57022.73.

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a group of disorders defined by a progressive elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance in the small pulmonary arteries and arterioles. In its untreated form, the disease causes progressive dyspnea and severe activity limitation resulting in premature death due to right ventricular failure. However, the advent of multiple-targeted medical therapies has significantly altered the prognosis of this disorder, allowing patients to live longer with increased functional ability. Given the trend in prognosis and functionality, this review revisits the possible role for exercise training in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The evidence suggesting that exercise may be safe in these patients is summarized and a potential exercise prescription is suggested.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Exercise / physiology
  • Exercise Therapy* / methods
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / rehabilitation*