Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension

Illustration of the lungs

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder and can lead to heart failure over time. PH has many causes, including heart disease, lung diseases such as COPD and ILD, sleep apnea, chronic blood clots in the lungs, and a rarer form called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath with activity
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pressure or pain
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Swelling of the ankles, legs or abdomen
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Diagnosis & Treatment

How we diagnose PH

  • Review of your echocardiogram, the usual first test
  • Right heart catheterization to measure lung pressures directly and confirm the diagnosis
  • Testing for causes: pulmonary function tests, CT, a V/Q scan for chronic blood clots, a sleep study, blood tests and a walk test

Treatment options

  • Treating the underlying cause, such as lung disease, sleep apnea or low oxygen
  • Oxygen therapy when oxygen levels are low
  • Targeted PAH medications for appropriate patients
  • Coordination with specialized PH centers when advanced therapy is needed

See also: Right Heart Catheterization · Pulmonary Embolism

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