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June 30, 2025
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From podcasts to TV commercials to social media, perimenopause is everywhere. Q102’s Fritsch spoke with a leading expert about what it is, common symptoms, the age of onset, and when you should seek help.
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Integrated Care for Optimum Health
The pulmonary hypertension program at The Christ Hospital includes advanced care with access to clinical trials and treatment options available in only a handful of locations in the United States. Our comprehensive pulmonary hypertension program includes physicians and staff from a variety of disciplines, including cardiology, pulmonology and specially-trained nurses who provide support and education. Our team approach ensures the most effective diagnosis, treatment and seamless care.
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. Symptoms of PH may 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
Diagnosing and Treating PH
We will perform a series of tests 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, new medications and treatment options are now available for optimum treatment.
Be Proactive
There are several different types of PH. Most types are often not recognized until they are quite advanced. It is important to understand PH and it’s symptoms. Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment. If you suffer from shortness of breath or experience other symptoms of PH, make an appointment to ensure immediate and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Delaying treatment could put you at risk for serious health problems, such as:
To schedule an appointment with our pulmonary hypertension program, call 513-206-1180.
For more information on The Christ Hospital Physicians' - Ohio Heart & Vascular pulmonary hypertension experts, click here.