Influence of nasal high-flow (NHF) on right hearth function in stable patients with pulmonary hypertension

Nasal high-flow (NHF) has various effects on the respiratory system in acute and chronic conditions. There are initial reports that the NHF is also able to influence cardiac function in acute exacerbations. The study was designed to clarify whether NHF has an influence on the heart in patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension. 41 stable patients from different PH groups were recruited. All received a right heart catheterization and blood gas analysis. The patients then used an NHF at 35 l/min for 20 min, after which the right heart catheter measurements were repeated with ongoing NHF therapy. In the entire cohort and in the subgroups, there were no changes in right heart function or cardiac ejection fraction. Thus, there is no effect of NHF on right heart function in patients with PH.