We are grateful for the support of Actelion – a sponsor of this Research Topic – whose cooperation has contributed to fostering scientific discovery by reducing article publishing costs for some authors. We hereby state publicly that Actelion has had no editorial input in articles included in this research topic, thus ensuring that all aspects of this Research Topic were evaluated objectively, unbiased by any specific policy or opinion of Actelion. Actelion is part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. We are leaders in the science and medicine of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), with over 15 years of experience in this devastating cardiovascular disorder.

The heart and lung are intricately linked. When the heart is affected by disease, the lungs will often show some related pathological or clinical conditions and vice versa. Pulmonary heart disease is by definition a condition when the lungs cause the heart to fail. The left ventricle in combination with the other structures in the “left heart” pumps blood throughout the body. The right ventricle (and structures of the “right heart”) pumps blood to the lungs where it is oxygenated and returned to the left heart for distribution. In normal circumstances, the right heart pumps blood into the lungs without any resistance. The lungs usually have minimal pressure and the right heart easily pumps blood through. However when there is lung disease present, like emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or pulmonary hypertension- the small blood vessels become very stiff and rigid. The right ventricle is no longer able to push blood into the lungs and eventually fails. This is known as pulmonary heart disease. Pulmonary heart disease is also known as right heart failure or cor pulmonale. The chief cause of right heart failure is the increase in blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary artery).

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a broad category of lung diseases that includes more than 150 disorders characterized by scarring or fibrosis of the lungs. In Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Interstitial Lung Disease: A Clinical Guide, renowned experts provide a state-of-the-art overview of the problems seen by physicians in the clinical management of ILDs. Divided into two sections, the first part provides and update on general issues and introduces both interstitial lung disease and associated pulmonary hypertension. A detailed analysis of the pathology of the various interstitial lung diseases is also provided. The second part addresses specific categories of disease. Bronchiolitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and other conditions are covered, and the use of inspiratory and expiratory high resolution CT scan is discussed as well. This important new text is an invaluable resource for the practicing physician who must be aware of the broad and troubling manifestations of interstitial lung disease.

The value of echocardiography in the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism.- New developments in the thrombolytic therapy of venous thrombosis.- Mechanism of blood coagulation. Newer aspects of anticoagulant and antithrombotic therapy.MR-angiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.Scintigraphy-ventilation/perfusion scanning and imaging of the embolus.- Clinical course and prognosis of acute pulmonary embolism.- The molecular mechanisms of inherited thombophilia.

Detailing state-of-the-art developments in the various aspects of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), this practical reference explores the history, most current scientific concepts, and treatments of this disease. Includes new advances not yet formally published! Written by nearly 30 of the top international experts in the field, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension addresses the general histological features of the normal and hypertensive pulmonary vasculature and the pathology of PPH discusses etiological possibilities of pathogenesis, common morphological features, and findings in experimental models examines risks factors for PPH and looks separately at familial PPH and PPH in children presents an approach to the differential diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, emphasizing the recognition of PPH elucidates the invasive and noninvasive modalities available for obtaining qualitative and quantitative hemodynamic data for the diagnosis of PPH covers a variety of therapeutic options and much more!

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.