Author:

Abstract:

Pulmonary hypertension is defined by a mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) > 25 mmHg at rest or > 30 mmHg during exercise. There are many different causes of pulmonary hypertension. "The Revised Clinical Classification of Pulmonary Hypertension", which was proposed in Venice in 2003, is clinically a very helpful tool, which can be used for classifying the patient with pulmonary hypertension. Moreover new therapeutic strategies have evolved, significantly improving the prognosis. However is an accurate diagnosis still often delayed. In this review article, the different stages in the diagnostic work-up of the patient with pulmonary hypertension, are detailed: from clinical suspicion, confirmation of diagnosis and determination of cause, to evaluation of functional impairment and prognosis.