Exercise capacity-hemodynamics mismatch in elderly patients with pulmonary hypertension: A nationwide multicenter study from Taiwan Society of Cardiology Pulmonary Hypertension Registry (TAIPANS)

Chang Ying Chen, Wang Mei-Tzu, Shih Hsien Sung, Yih Jer Wu, Chih Hsin Hsu, Wan Jing Ho, Yen Hung Lin, Wei Shin Liu, Ju Chi Liu, Yung Ta Kao, Wen Shiann Wu, Chun Hsien Wu, Meng Huan Lei, Yu Wei Chen, Chien Chen-Yu, Yu Wei Chiu, Zen Kong Dai, Tsung Hsien Lin, Lin Lin, Cheng Chih ChungChang Min Chung, Sung Hao Huang, Chin Chang Cheng, Yen Wen Wu, Ting Hsing Chao, Juey Jen Hwang, Charles Jia-Yin Hou, Wei Chun Huang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Demographics of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has changed a lot over the past forty years. Several recent registries noted an increase in mean age of PH but only a few of them investigated the characteristics of elderly patients. Thus, we aimed to analyze the characteristics of PH in such a population in this study. Methods: This multicenter study enrolled patients diagnosed with PH in group 1, 3, 4, and 5 consecutively from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. A total of 490 patients was included, and patients were divided into three groups by age (≤45 years, 45–65 years, and >65 years). Results: The mean age of PH patients diagnosed with PH was 55.3 ± 16.3 years of age. There was higher proportion of elderly patients classified as group 3 PH (≤45: 1.3, 45–65: 4.5, >65: 8.1 %; p = 0.0206) and group 4 PH (≤45: 8.4, 45–65: 14.5, >65: 31.6 %; p < 0.0001) than young patients. Elderly patients had shorter 6-min walking distance (6 MWD) (≤45 vs. >65, mean difference, 77.8 m [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1–153.6 m]), lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (≤45 vs. >65, mean difference, 10.8 mmHg [95% CI, 6.37–15.2 mmHg]), and higher pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) (≤45 vs. 45–65, mean difference, −2.1 mmHg [95% CI, −3.9 to −0.3 mmHg]) compared to young patients. Elderly patients had a poorer exercise capacity despite lower mPAP level compared to young population, but they received combination therapy less frequently compared to young patients (triple therapy in group 1 PH, ≤45: 16.7, 45–65: 11.3, >65: 3.8 %; p = 0.0005). Age older than 65 years was an independent predictor of high mortality for PH patients. Conclusions: Elderly PH patients possess unique hemodynamic profiles and epidemiologic patterns. They had higher PAWP, lower mPAP, and received combination therapy less frequently. Moreover, ageing is a predictor of high mortality for PH patients. Exercise capacity-hemodynamics mismatch and inadequate treatment are noteworthy in the approach of elderly population with PH.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere27537
JournalHeliyon
Volume10
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 30 2024

Keywords

  • Elderly
  • Hemodynamic
  • Pulmonary hypertension

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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