Pulmonary Hypertension in Canada: Diagnosis and Care
Season 6 – Episode 2
with Dr. Sanjay Mehta
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Pulmonary hypertension remains widely misunderstood, yet early recognition can profoundly change patient outcomes. In this episode, we explore how awareness, guidelines, and multidisciplinary care are reshaping pulmonary hypertension care in Canada.
About this Episode
In Episode 2 of the RESPIPLUS podcast series, Dr. Jean Bourbeau speaks with Dr. Sanjay Mehta about the realities of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension in clinical practice. The conversation unpacks why diagnosis is often delayed, how classification informs care, and why multidisciplinary expertise is essential for optimal management.
Dr. Mehta also reflects on how advances in treatment have transformed survival and quality of life for many patients, while highlighting ongoing gaps in access to care, particularly for people living outside major urban centres. The episode emphasizes the role of research, guidelines, and patient advocacy in improving outcomes across Canada.
Today you will learn
- Why pulmonary hypertension is often under-recognized and diagnosed late
- How pulmonary hypertension is classified and why this matters for care
- Common diagnostic challenges, including non-specific symptoms such as dyspnea
- Why multidisciplinary care is central to effective management
- How recent treatment advances have improved patient outcomes
- Where gaps remain in access to specialized care in Canada
- The role of patient support organizations in education and advocacy
Our Special Guest
Dr. Sanjay Mehta is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in pulmonary hypertension. He is a Canadian respirologist, Director of the Southwestern Ontario Pulmonary Hypertension Program, and Professor of Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University.
Over the past two decades, Dr. Mehta has played a central role in advancing the diagnosis, management, and research of pulmonary hypertension in Canada. He was instrumental in developing Canada’s first clinical guidelines for pulmonary hypertension and has led numerous clinical and translational research initiatives.
Dr. Mehta is also a founding member and past Board Chair of PHA Canada, where his work has shaped national advocacy, policy discussions, and patient-centred care for people living with this complex condition.
Resources to go Deeper
Canadian Thoracic Society AATD Guidelines: Read the latest clinical recommendations. View the full article
Learn more about Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Continue Learning: Accredited Course on Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
For healthcare professionals looking to deepen their expertise in pulmonary arterial hypertension, we offer a free, accredited online course designed to strengthen diagnostic confidence and improve treatment decision-making.
PAH in Practice: A Case-based Online Learning Program for Better Patient Care
This is a concise, case based learning program that covers:
- Early identification of high risk patients
- Key diagnostic tools and referral pathways
- How to distinguish PAH from other PH groups
- Evidence based treatment strategies and follow up
- Practical scenarios to apply guideline based care
This activity is an Accredited Section 3 Self-Assessment Program (Royal College MOC), developed in collaboration with leading Canadian experts.
This program is co-developed by the Canadian Thoracic Society, Respiplus and Merck and is planned to achieve scientific integrity, objectivity and balance.
The course is available until September 30th 2026 and is offered in English only.
RESPIPLUS™ received support from Merck to develop an informative podcast series specifically tailored to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
Collaborating Organizations
This podcast series was developed with the valuable collaboration of several organizations committed to improving care and awareness for individuals living with Pulmonary Hypertension:
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