Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a general term used to describe high blood pressure in the lungs from any cause. PH is a serious disease that can take a significant toll on your energy and activity levels and, if left untreated, may lead to right heart failure. Orlando Health Medical Group Lung and Sleep Medicine offers advanced diagnostic and treatment therapies to address your specific type of PH.
Types of Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is classified into five groups, based on the different causes:
Pulmonary arterial hypertension, which directly affects the walls of the arteries in the lungs making them stiff and thick, and thereby causing the arteries to become narrowed, blocked or destroyed.
Disorders that can occur on the left side of the heart, such as problems with the heart valves or with the pumping or relaxing of the heart muscle.
Lung conditions that require oxygen as treatment, such as advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease or cystic fibrosis. Even more common conditions like sleep apnea can cause this type of PH.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, which is related to blood clots (pulmonary emboli) that have not dissolved over time and continue to obstruct to blood flow.
Encompasses other generally rare conditions, but may include some common diseases, such as sarcoidosis or sickle cell disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Chest pain
- Swollen ankles, legs and abdomen
- Bluish color lips and skin
- Heart palpitations and fast pulse rate
Diagnosis
Your physician will order specialized tests to determine if you have PH. Testing often begins with an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound examination of the heart. If the results of tests point to PH, a right heart cardiac catheterization will be performed. This is the gold standard for diagnosing PH, and the results can also help determine the type of PH you have.
Treatment
The different types of PH require different treatment. Our pulmonary specialists may customize a combination of medications to manage the high pressure within the arteries of your lungs, reducing the pumping load on your heart. Medications may include blood thinners to prevent blood clots, diuretics to reduce fluid retention and supplemental oxygen to improve oxygen levels. Surgery may be recommended depending on your type of PH. We also offer a comprehensive patient education program on the causes and treatment of your PH, which may include lifestyle changes.