What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension, or PH, is a simplified name for a complex health problem: high blood pressure in the lungs. The name comes from pulmonary, or having to do with the lungs, and hypertension, which means high blood pressure. It is a disease that affects people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

Symptoms
PH is often not diagnosed in a timely manner because its early symptoms can be confused with those of many other conditions. Some of the symptoms of PH include:

• Breathlessness or shortness of breath, especially with activity


• Feeling tired all the time


• Lightheadedness, especially when climbing stairs or upon standing up


• Swollen ankles, legs or abdomen


• Chest pain, especially during physical activity


• Fainting

Comprehensive care
The best care for PH involves experts and staff from a range of disciplines, including cardiology, pulmonology and specially trained nurses who provide helpful assistance and support. Our team approach ensures the most effective diagnosis, treatment and seamless care.

Diagnosing and treating PH
A series of tests are performed to establish a PH diagnosis. These tests demonstrate how well the heart and lungs are working and may include:

• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)


• Electrocardiogram (ECG, a recording of the electrical current in the heart)


• Right heart catheterization (direct measurement of pressure in the pulmonary arteries and determination of how well the heart is pumping blood to the body)


• Six-minute walk test to assess exercise capacity

PH is a chronic condition that can become life-threatening. Although there is no cure, there are several treatments available and patients now have more options than ever before.

Several drugs are now approved by the FDA for PH treatment. In conjunction with these
medications, background therapy may also include medication that prevents blood clotting, heart failure medication, avoidance of pregnancy and avoidance of high altitude.

“Many people may have PH without knowing it—so increased awareness and earlier diagnosis will lead to earlier treatment and a better quality of life,” says Peter Engel, M.D., medical director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program at The Christ Hospital.
 
If you suffer from shortness of breath or experience other PH symptoms, make an appointment to ensure immediate and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Delaying treatment could put you at risk for serious health problems, such as:

• Blood Clots


• Heart Failure


• Fluid build-up in the lungs and legs.

To schedule an appointment with a pulmonary hypertension specialist, please call 866-596-6118.