Primary pulmonary hypertension: a review for advanced practice nurses.

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare entity of unknown etiology, manifested as narrowing and obstruction of the pulmonary arteries leading to elevated pulmonary artery pressures. Left untreated, these high pressures can lead to right ventricular dilation, right heart failure, and death within 3 to 5 years. Over the last decade, advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of PPH. Advanced practice nurses and other expert nurses can use and interpret diagnostic and therapeutic medical regimens currently available to identify and treat this rare condition.