National Cohort Study of Idiopathic and Heritable Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Overview

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), or high blood pressure in the lungs, is a rare condition that can shorten life. Although the cause of this disease is usually unknown, in about 70% of heritable and 15-20% of idiopathic cases there is a change in a gene (a mutation) that controls how blood vessels grow and function. The gene is called bone morphogenetic protein type receptor 2 (BMPR2). Although mutations in BMPR2 are a risk factor for PAH, not everyone with a mutation gets the disease. Additional genetic and environmental factors are likely to contribute. The investigators suspect that mutations in other genes are responsible for some cases of PAH. In this study the investigators aim to recruit all patients with PAH and some of their relatives and follow them up for several years. The investigators hope to discover new mutations for this disease and to determine what factors lead to poor outcome, and to understand what triggers disease in patients with mutations. Who can participate? Adults with PAH, their relatives and controls (one off blood sample)

What does the study involve? PAH patients will be seen at their local centre by their service team but they will have additional bloods taken. Relatives of PAH patients will be seen every year at their nearest PAH centre. Tests will include: * Epidemiology Questionnaire to assess factors affecting health * An echocardiogram (ECHO) to assess the size, shape, pumping action and the extent of any damage to the heart. * Lung function tests which include blowing measurements to assess gas volumes within the lungs as well as assessment of how the lungs exchange gases. * Optional right heart catheterisation (RHC) to determine how much blood your heart is pumping while you are resting and on exercise. Optional Cardiac Magnetic Resonance tests. To measure heart function. ( to be done only once) * 6 minute walk test. To measure exercise capacity * Cardiopulmonary exercise test. A bicycle exercise test, which will indicate how much blood your heart pumps while resting and with different levels of exercise. * Electrocardiogram (ECG), a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart * Blood tests Controls:Blood sample and medical data collected once

Conditions