Intervention Study of a Comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program on Quality of Life and Prognosis in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Intervention Study of a Comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program on Quality of Life and Prognosis in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a major global health concern, affecting approximately 1% of the world's population. With global aging and increased life expectancy, its incidence continues to rise. PH is a progressive and disabling disease, with studies showing its progression correlates with worsening symptoms and increased mortality. Even with targeted medications, the prognosis remains poor across PH subtypes, with PAH patients showing only a 49% 7-year survival rate. The 2022 ESC/ERS guidelines emphasize that PH management requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Beyond pharmacological and surgical treatments, rehabilitation has demonstrated benefits in improving exercise capacity, quality of life, functional class, and peak oxygen consumption. However, research on specific and effective comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs remains lacking.
Inclusion Criteria:Confirmed PH Diagnosis:
Right heart catheterization-confirmed pulmonary hypertension
Meets 2022 ESC/ERS Guidelines diagnostic criteria for:
Stabilized Treatment Status:
Group 1 (PAH): Received ≥3 months of targeted drug therapy
Group 4 (CTEPH): Completed ≥6 sessions of BPA* or reached therapeutic endpoint
Functional Capacity:
WHO Functional Class I-III
Age: ≥18 years
Consent: Willing to provide written informed consent -
Exclusion Criteria:Physical Limitations:
Unable to perform pulmonary rehabilitation exercises due to disability or congenital malformations
Cardiopulmonary Testing Contraindications:
Medically unfit to complete CPET (cardiopulmonary exercise testing) after evaluation
Poor Compliance:
History of non-adherence making protocol completion unlikely
Life Expectancy:
Prognosis ≤1 year
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