Insights Into Differences in Pulmonary Hemodynamics in Hispanic Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Cardiol Res. 2024 Apr;15(2):117-124. doi: 10.14740/cr1618. Epub 2024 Apr 15.

Abstract

Background: Emerging data suggest that Hispanic patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) exhibit improved survival rates compared to individuals of other ethnicities with similar baseline hemodynamics. However, the underlying reasons for this survival advantage remain unclear. This study focused on comparing pulmonary hemodynamics in Hispanic and non-Hispanic PAH patients and how these differences may contribute to varied clinical outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of right heart catheterization data was conducted on a treatment-naive PAH patient cohort from a single center.

Results: Over a 10-year period, a total of 226 PAH patients were identified, of which 138 (61%) were Hispanic and 88 (39%) were non-Hispanic. Hispanic patients presented with lower pulmonary artery pressures, lower pulmonary vascular resistance, and exhibited significantly higher pulmonary arterial compliance (PAc). Hispanic patients had better 5-year survival rates.

Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of exploring phenotypic differences in ethnically diverse PAH cohorts.

Keywords: Hispanic; Phenotypes; Pulmonary arterial hemodynamics; Pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Grants and funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.