Current State and Understanding of Methamphetamine-associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Abstract

Methamphetamine, one of the most commonly used illegal stimulants worldwide, has been recently upgraded to the definite category in association with development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Though its incidence and prevalence in the general population and among active methamphetamine users are unknown, with the epidemic surge of methamphetamine use, we are bound to see more cases of methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (Meth-APAH). Neither basic pathophysiology nor optimal treatment strategy has been well studied for Meth-APAH, which has been shown to have worse outcomes when compared with idiopathic PAH. Extrapolating experience from other conditions associated with methamphetamine, cessation of methamphetamine use remains front and center of the treatment goals of Meth-APAH, to be complemented by other pharmacological, behavioral and psychosocial therapies in a multidisciplinary approach in dealing with this complex and highly morbid condition.