Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart.
Pulmonary hypertension can slowly get worse and can be life-threatening. Although there’s no cure for some types of pulmonary hypertension, treatment can help to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Symptoms:
Shortness of breath or lightheadedness during activity is often the first symptom. A fast heart rate may be present. Over time, symptoms occur with lighter activity or even while at rest.
Other symptoms include:
- Ankle/leg swelling
- Bluish color of the skin
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Fatigue
- Increased abdominal size
- Weakness
People with pulmonary hypertension often have symptoms that come and go. They report good days and bad days.
Pulmonary hypertension may be caused by the following:
- Autoimmune diseases that damage the lungs, such as scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis
- Congenital disabilities of the heart
- Blood clots in the lung
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- HIV infection
- Low oxygen levels in the blood
- Lung diseases, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, or any other severe chronic lung condition
- Medicines (for example, diet drugs)
- Sleep apnea
Diagnosis:
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. The exam may find:
- Abnormal heart sounds
- A feeling of a pulse over the breastbone
- Heart murmur on the right side
- Veins in the neck
- Leg swelling
- Liver swelling
- Normal breath sounds if pulmonary hypertension is idiopathic or due to congenital heart disease
- Abnormal breath sounds if pulmonary hypertension is from another lung disease
The exam may be ordinary or almost every day in the early stages of the disease. The condition may take several months to diagnose. Asthma and other diseases may cause similar symptoms and must be ruled out.
Tests that may be ordered include:
- Blood tests
- Cardiac catheterization
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan of the chest
- Echocardiogram
- ECG
- Lung function tests
- Nuclear lung scan
- Pulmonary arteriogram
- 6-minute walk test
- Sleep study
- Tests to check for autoimmune problems
Treatment:
There is no cure for pulmonary hypertension. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent more lung damage. Treating medical disorders that cause pulmonary hypertension, such as obstructive sleep apnea, lung conditions, and heart valve problems, is essential.
Pulmonary hypertension is treatable if diagnosed early and evaluated by a specialist. The treatment of pulmonary artery varies depending on the cause, and identification of the cause may need a evaluation by a trained specialist.
Many treatment options for pulmonary arterial hypertension are available
Patient needs to be closely monitored during treatment to watch for side effects and adjustment of medicines based on response to the treatment clinically and hemodyanamically
Untreated pulmonary hypertension can be life threatening .
Other treatments include:
- Blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots, especially for some forms of pulmonary hypertension
- Oxygen therapy
- Lung transplant, or in some cases,
Other important tips to follow:
- Avoid pregnancy.
- Avoid heavy physical activities and lifting.
- Avoid travelling to high altitudes.
- Get a yearly flu vaccine, as well as other vaccines such as the pneumonia vaccine and the COVID vaccine.
- Stop smoking.
A lung transplant or, in some cases, a heart-lung transplant can be considered for patients with severe disease.
Dr. Sheetal Chaurasia is the senior Consultant – Pulmonary Medicine at Manipal Hospital Whitefield Bangalore. With experience spanning over two decades in the medical field, she is recognized as one of the most reputed Consultant pulmonologists in Manipal Hospital Whitefield Bangalore.
Consult Dr Sheetal Chaurasia and Book an Appointment Now
FAQ
Why is Pulmonary Hypertension often mistaken for other heart or lung conditions?
Answer: The early symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension—such as breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, and reduced exercise tolerance—can resemble asthma, COPD, or heart disease. Consulting a specialist for Pulmonary Hypertension treatment in Whitefield, Bangalore helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely management.
How does Pulmonary Hypertension affect the heart over time?
Answer: Pulmonary Hypertension increases pressure within the arteries supplying blood to the lungs, forcing the right side of the heart to work harder. Without appropriate Pulmonary Hypertension treatment, this extra strain may eventually weaken heart function and lead to serious complications.
Which investigations help confirm Pulmonary Hypertension before starting treatment?
Answer: To diagnose Pulmonary Hypertension, your pulmonologist may recommend an echocardiogram, Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), chest CT scan, ECG, blood investigations, 6-minute walk test, and, when required, right heart catheterization to accurately measure pulmonary artery pressure.
Does every patient with Pulmonary Hypertension experience the same symptoms?
Answer: No. Symptoms and disease severity vary depending on the underlying cause and stage of Pulmonary Hypertension. Some patients experience mild breathlessness during physical activity, while others may develop chest pain, swelling in the legs, or fainting episodes as the condition progresses.
Can Pulmonary Hypertension be associated with other medical conditions?
Answer: Yes. Pulmonary Hypertension may develop due to chronic lung diseases, congenital heart disease, connective tissue disorders, sleep apnea, chronic blood clots, or other underlying medical conditions. Identifying the cause helps guide the most appropriate treatment strategy.
What are the treatment goals of Pulmonary Hypertension management?
Answer: The primary goals of Pulmonary Hypertension treatment in Whitefield, Bangalore are to reduce pressure in the pulmonary arteries, improve oxygen delivery, relieve symptoms, enhance exercise capacity, slow disease progression, and improve overall quality of life.
Are travel and high-altitude destinations safe for people with Pulmonary Hypertension?
Answer: Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension should consult their pulmonologist before travelling, especially to high-altitude areas or during long flights. Oxygen levels, disease severity, and overall health should be evaluated to ensure safe travel.
Can pregnancy increase the risks associated with Pulmonary Hypertension?
Answer: Pregnancy can place significant strain on the heart and lungs in women with Pulmonary Hypertension. Women planning pregnancy should seek specialist advice before conception to understand potential risks and receive appropriate medical guidance.
Which daily habits can support successful Pulmonary Hypertension treatment?
Answer: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, following prescribed medications, limiting excessive salt intake, staying physically active within medical recommendations, and attending regular follow-up appointments all support effective Pulmonary Hypertension treatment and long-term heart-lung health.
How is long-term progress monitored after starting Pulmonary Hypertension treatment in Whitefield, Bangalore?
Answer: After initiating Pulmonary Hypertension treatment in Whitefield, Bangalore, your pulmonologist monitors your condition through symptom assessment, oxygen saturation, exercise capacity, echocardiograms, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT), and other investigations when necessary. Regular monitoring helps evaluate treatment response and make timely adjustments.
