[Pulmonary hypertension: Possible genetic causes and therapeutic options].

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe disease, which is usually only recognized at a late stage. It is characterized by dyspnea and right heart insufficiency. In some forms of pulmonary hypertension, such as the rare pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and PAH associated with congenital heart defects, genetic factors have been identified. This article summarizes the general and supportive therapies for PH, targeted pharmaceutical treatment for PAH and non-operable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. To achieve acceptable survival rates, it is essential to transfer patients to an expert center at an early stage for further differential diagnostics and therapy.