Optimizing Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Primary Care
CME Unit: 1/0.50 point | 
1 Hour | 
08 May 2026
Overview
About this course
Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive condition characterized by obstructive remodeling of the distal pulmonary vasculature. There are several etiologies, such as congestive heart failure, and they vary based on pathophysiological mechanisms, hemodynamic characteristics, and therapeutic management. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the most severe and aggressive forms of pulmonary hypertension. It is a severe and life-threatening condition characterized by increased resistance in the pulmonary blood vessels, which can result in right heart failure and premature death. Detecting PAH in its initial stages can be challenging since most of the symptoms often only manifest once the disease has progressed. Hence, primary care providers play a pivotal role in the early detection of PAH, facilitating referrals to specialists for diagnosis confirmation, and ensuring continuity of patient care.
This e-learning module reviews the definition and pathophysiology of PAH and discuss the role of primary healthcare providers in improving patient care and outcomes through the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of patients with PAH.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the educational activity, participants should be able to:
- Review the classification and clinical manifestations of pulmonary hypertension.
- Understand the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- Understand the role of primary care practitioners in the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Topic covered:
- Definition and classification of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)
- Definition of Pulmonary Hypertension
- WHO Clinical Classifications
- Clinical signs and symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension
- Early and Late Symptoms
- Signs of PH based on the different underlying causes
- WHO Functional Class
- Diagnostic approach to PH in the primary care setting
- Initial diagnostic approach
- When to refer to a Specialist
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
- Characteristic features
- Pathophysiology
- Therapeutic approach to PAH
- Updates from the ESC 2022 Guidelines for PAH
- General measures
- Targeted drug treatment
- Monitoring and continuity of care for patients with PAH in the primary care setting
- Side effects/ drug reactions
- Prognostication
Speaker for this module:
Dr. Wong Ka Lam, Michael
MBBS, MRCP, FHKAM, FRCP,
Specialist in Cardiology
1/0.50 CME Point Available
- This module is accredited for 1 CME Point for medical practitioners enrolled in The Medical Council of Hong Kong’s Continuing Medical Education Programme for Practising Doctors who are not taking CME for Specialists.
- This module is accredited for both Hong Kong Doctors Union (HKDU) members and non-members.
- This module is accredited for 0.50 CME point for fellows of the Hong Kong College of Community Medicine and the Hong Kong College of Physicians.
- Please note that this module will not earn CME credit for fellows of colleges not listed here.
- A certificate can be downloaded upon successful completion of the quiz. Please use the information on the certificate to claim your CME points.