Pulmonary hypertension (blood pressure)

About Pulmonary hypertension (blood pressure)

High blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This elevation in the pressure makes the right side of the heart work harder, and can cause the heart to fail. It can occur secondary to a problem in the pulmonary vessels themselves (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension), or from a problem outside the vessels (Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension). Secondary causes include: pulmonary embolus, COPD, autoimmune diseases, CHF, and sleep apnea.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath during activity, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, fainting, light-headedness during exercise, dizziness, leg swelling.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. This problem is usually first detected by echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). Tests to establish the diagnosis and reveal a secondary cause of the pulmonary hypertension include: right heart catheterization, echocardiogram, lung biopsy, and/or pulmonary function test.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, D-Dimer, EKG, MRI, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.

Path 3 — Prescription Options

Prescription medications

Conventional treatment summary

There is no known cure. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms. Medicines used include: ambrisentan (Letairis), bosentan/Tracleer, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and/or prostacyclin. Patients with low oxygen levels will receive oxygen. Severe cases may need a lung or heart/lung transplant. For more information contact: American Lung Association: (800)586-4872 National Jewish Medical and Research Center: (800)222-5864

Medical specialties

Internal Medicine · Cardiology · Pulmonology · Pediatric Cardiology · Pediatric Pulmonology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Pulmonary hypertension (blood pressure).