A Hundred Experts Urge Strengthening Early Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension in Latin America

PANAMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The first Latin American edition of the “IMPAHCT: International Meeting on Pulmonary Hypertension Clinical Treatment” congress gathered nearly one hundred pulmonology and cardiology experts this past weekend in Panama City. The aim: to reflect on the current state of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in Latin America. Though this serious disease affects only about 1% of the global population, it brings debilitating symptoms and a heightened risk of mortality.

The congress, organized by Ferrer, the pharmaceutical company with the highest B Corp score worldwide, facilitated connections among specialists from various disciplines and regions across Latin America.

“The challenges in Latin America begin with raising awareness among the medical community. We must understand the disease and know how to diagnose it in order to refer patients to specialized centers as soon as possible,” stated Dr. Angelo Valencia, Pediatric Cardiologist and Specialist in Congenital Diseases at the Imbanaco Clinic in Cali, Colombia.

Dr. Valencia also emphasized the importance of promoting early diagnosis of PH, which remains underdiagnosed in much of Latin America: “The diagnosis of PH relies on measurements obtained through a cardiac catheterization, which, when properly performed in an experienced center, is low-risk and relatively straightforward.”

During the summit, the main causes of delayed diagnosis were discussed, including the non-specific nature of symptoms, a general lack of awareness about the disease among primary care physicians, and limited access to diagnostic tools.

The congress also addressed the real-life burden of the disease on patients, families, and caregivers, and highlighted the role institutions should play. “While resources are important, decision-makers need to understand that a treated patient can be economically active. With proper treatment, they can continue to contribute socially, economically, professionally, and personally. An untreated patient deteriorates continuously, which becomes a financial burden on institutions,” stressed Dr. Nayeli Zayas, Head of the Cardiopulmonary Department at the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez in Mexico.

According to Jorge Candia, Ferrer’s Latam Region Director, “In line with our purpose of using business to fight for social justice, we are proud to contribute to ongoing medical education in Latin America. Thanks to events like IMPAHCT, attendees will return to their countries and share the knowledge gained here, leading to improved prognosis and care for patients with pulmonary hypertension.”