Pulmonary hypertension means elevated pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. Over time, this can strain the right side of the heart and lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, dizziness, or fainting.
Pulmonary hypertension can be related to left-sided heart disease, valve disease, lung disease, sleep apnea, chronic blood clots, connective tissue disease, congenital heart disease, or less common pulmonary vascular disorders.
Symptoms patients may notice
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity
- Fatigue, weakness, or reduced exercise capacity
- Chest pressure, dizziness, near-fainting, or fainting
- Leg or abdominal swelling
- Known elevated pulmonary pressure on echocardiogram
How we evaluate this condition
- Echocardiogram to estimate pulmonary pressures and assess right-heart function
- Evaluation for left-heart disease, valve disease, heart failure, sleep apnea, lung disease, or clot history
- Referral for right-heart catheterization or pulmonary hypertension center evaluation when appropriate
Treatment and care options
- Treatment of the underlying cause, such as heart failure, valve disease, sleep apnea, lung disease, or clot-related disease
- Diuretics, oxygen evaluation, anticoagulation, or pulmonary vasodilator therapy in selected patients under appropriate specialist guidance
- Referral coordination for advanced pulmonary hypertension care when needed
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 for fainting, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips, or sudden worsening symptoms.