Diagnostic Evaluation of Suspected PAH Symptoms

Early and proper diagnosis is key to successful outcomes in a progressive disease like pulmonary hypertension. By successfully completing this course, participants will be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). They will also learn strategies for accurate diagnosis and how to assess the severity of the illness.

Course Author

Namita Sood, MD, FCCP
Associate Professor of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine
Director, Pulmonary Hypertension Program
The Ohio State University Medical Center
Columbus, OH

Faculty Reviewer

Robert P. Frantz, MD
Director, Mayo Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic
Director, Cardiovascular Studies Unit
Associate Professor of Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Evaluate common presenting symptoms that suggest possible presence of PAH.
2. Interpret typical physical exam, chest x-ray and ECG findings when PAH is present.
3. Describe how echocardiography can be used in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension.
4. Recognize factors that may influence prognosis in PAH.

Accreditation and Credit Designation

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic and the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA). College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Instructions for Earning Credit

This activity is a self-study program. Upon entering the activity, participants should read the text, examine any images and/or multimedia features, and review the content presented within all of the links provided. Once the course has been reviewed in its entirety, participants will be asked to complete a post-test and evaluation online. Participants must receive a test score of 100% in order to proceed to the course evaluation; the post-test can be repeated until all questions are answered correctly. All evaluation questions must be completed in order to receive a certificate of credit. If needed, participants may save their answers and complete the course at a later date. Saved courses can be found on the "My Activities" page, accessed via "My Account" at the top of the page.

Faculty Disclosures

College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic adheres to ACCME Essential Areas and Policies, including the Standards for Commercial Support, regarding industry support of continuing medical education. In order to resolve any identified conflicts of interest, disclosure information is provided during the planning process to ensure resolution of any identified conflicts. Disclosure of faculty and commercial relationships as well as the discussion of unlabeled or unapproved use of any drug, device or procedure by the faculty is listed below.

Namita Sood, MD, FCCP, indicates no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Robert P. Frantz, MD, indicates no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Disclaimer

The information presented in this activity reflects the views of the faculty only and not necessarily those of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA), College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, or the educational grant providers. All participants should verify the information and data presented before treating patients or utilizing any therapies noted in these materials. No portion of this activity may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of PHA.

Estimated Time to Complete This Activity

1 hour

Privacy Policy

For information about the PHA's privacy policy, visit http://www.phassociation.org/Page.aspx?pid=193.

This activity is made possible through unrestricted educational grants from Actelion, Gilead, and United Therapeutics.