Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), once seen mostly in young, healthy women, is now common among older adults with comorbidities in North America and Europe. In contrast, Latin American patients remain younger and healthier, with fewer related conditions.
Possible Reasons
- Earlier detection: Limited diagnostic centers may speed referrals
- Genetics/environment: Hispanic patients show different disease patterns
- Delayed shift: Latin America may be behind global demographic trends
Current Situation
Latin American pulmonary arterial hypertension patients have:
- Fewer comorbidities (obesity, diabetes, hypertension)
- More “classic” pulmonary arterial hypertension presentation
- Better treatment responses
- Earlier diagnosis stages
Future Concerns
Rising obesity and aging populations in major cities suggest Latin America will soon align with global trends, leading to:
- Older patients with more health problems
- Increased disease complexity
- Need for adjusted treatment approaches
Conclusions
Latin America’s younger, healthier pulmonary arterial hypertension population may represent either a unique regional phenotype or a temporary demographic difference that will change as the region urbanizes and populations age. More research is needed to determine which scenario is correct.
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Citation
Tomas Pulido, Sofia de la Cruz-Perez, Daniela Valencia, Rafael Conde, Adrian Lescano, Nayeli Zayas, Pulmonary arterial hypertension in Latin America. The age and comorbidity paradox, International Journal of Cardiology Congenital Heart Disease, Volume 19,
2025, 100573, ISSN 2666-6685 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcchd.2025.100573