What is pulmonary hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in your lungs that affects the arteries in your lungs and the right side of your heart. As the pressure builds in your lungs, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through your lungs. This will eventually cause your heart to weaken and fail.
Some forms of pulmonary hypertension are serious conditions that become progressively worse, and sometimes fatal. Although some forms of pulmonary hypertension are not curable, treatment can help to lessen symptoms and improve your quality of life.
This is not heart failure, however pulmonary hypertension can lead to, or result from heart failure.
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension
Symptoms may range from mild to severe depending on how weak the heart is and how well pulmonary hypertension is controlled.
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
- Sudden gain of 2–3 pounds overnight or 4–5 pounds over a week
- Ankles, lower legs, or even abdomen may become puffy or swollen
- Shoes feel too tight
- Clothes are tighter in the waist
- Trouble getting rings on or off your fingers
Other warning signs
- Weak, dizzy, or more tired
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion, or can’t think clearly
- Dry, hacking cough that won’t go away
- Chest pain or changes in your heartbeat
- Lips and skin have a bluish color
The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension can look like other conditions or medical problems. This can make diagnosing difficult. Many people ignore the symptoms as simply being out of shape.
Report these symptoms to your health care provider, especially if they are new or have gotten worse!
Risk factors of pulmonary hypertension
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing pulmonary hypertension.
- Family history of pulmonary hypertension
- Overweight
- Diagnosis of one of the conditions which lead to hypertension
- Illegal drug usage
- Alcohol abuse
- Appetite suppressant medications
Treatments for pulmonary hypertension
The treatment plan for pulmonary hypertension may include:
- Medication to help your heart work better
- Use of CPAP or BiPAP
- Changes in what you eat and drink to prevent fluid from backing up in your body
- Less salt or fewer salty foods
- Eat a healthful diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat
- Daily monitoring of your weight and symptoms
- Exercise to help you stay healthy
- Quit smoking
Pulmonary hypertension should not be ignored. Regular checkups by your care provider give you the best chance of effectively managing your symptoms.
All patients referred to the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic will be evaluated and managed by our team of specialized care providers.
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team at the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic is here to offer you advanced cardiovascular care.
Appointments & Referrals
Find information about how to be referred to the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic and what to expect as a new patient.