What determines the therapeutic goals for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension?

In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the therapeutic goals are primarily focused on the right ventricular function. The right ventricle is responsible for pumping blood through the pulmonary arteries into the lungs, and in PAH, the increased pressure in these arteries can significantly affect the right ventricle's ability to function effectively.

When pulmonary artery pressure rises, it creates an increased workload for the right ventricle, which can lead to right heart failure if left unmanaged. Therefore, optimizing right ventricular function becomes a central target in the management of PAH. Interventions such as medications that lower pulmonary artery pressure and improve right ventricular performance are key components of the treatment strategy.

While factors like left ventricular function, pulmonary artery pressure itself, and systemic vascular resistance are important in overall cardiovascular health, they are not the primary focus when determining therapeutic goals in the context of PAH. The priority is to maintain and improve right ventricular function to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.