Even mild pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity
in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the underlying
mechanisms remain elusive; therefore, specific and efficient treatment options are not
available. Therapeutic approaches tested in the clinical setting, including long‐term oxygen
administration and systemic vasodilators, gave disappointing results and might be only
beneficial for specific subgroups of patients. Preclinical studies identified several therapeutic …

The exact prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and cor pulmonale (CP) in chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unknown, and varies considerably from 20–91%.
Usually, mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) does not exceed 30 mmHg, and PH is not
severe. However, PH and CP are important predictors of mortality in COPD and contribute to
disability in this disease. Many factors contribute to the development of PH in chronic lung
disease, including reduction of the pulmonary vascular cross-sectional area due to …