Reduced haemodynamic coupling and exercise are associated with vascular stiffening in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract

In PAH, exercise causes proximal and distal PA stiffening, which combined with preserved Z₀ results in decreased RC time with exercise. Stiff PAs at rest may also contribute to poor haemodynamic coupling, reflecting reduced pulmonary vascular reserve that contributes to limit the maximum exercise level tolerated.