Pulmonary hypertension is a serious but often misunderstood condition that affects the heart and lungs.
Experts David Moll, MD, cardiologist, and Stephen Brierre, MD, pulmonologist and critical medicine physician, and Denzil Moraes, MD, interventional cardiologist, with Our Lady of the Lake Heart & Vascular Institute explore what pulmonary hypertension is, how it’s diagnosed and the steps patients can take to manage it effectively.
What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which makes it harder for the right side of the heart to pump blood. Over time, this can weaken the heart, leading to symptoms like:
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Feeling lightheaded or fainting
These symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions, which is why early diagnosis is so important.
“Pulmonary hypertension is not just high blood pressure,” Dr. Moll says. “it’s a unique condition that impacts the heart and lungs in ways that require specialized care.”
Who Is at Risk?
While pulmonary hypertension can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk, including:
- People with underlying heart or lung conditions
- Individuals with rare diseases like scleroderma or lupus
- Patients with family histories of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Understanding your risk factors can help you and your doctor spot early warning signs.
“Patients with autoimmune diseases like scleroderma or lupus are often unaware they’re at higher risk for pulmonary hypertension until symptoms worsen,” Dr. Brierre says.
How Is Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosed?
Diagnosing pulmonary hypertension requires specialized tests, including:
- Echocardiogram: A non-invasive ultrasound that shows how well your heart is working
- Right Heart Catheterization: A definitive test where a catheter measures blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries
“A right heart catheterization is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension,” Dr. Moraes says. “it gives us the most precise measurements to guide treatment.”
If you experience persistent symptoms, talk to your doctor about these diagnostic tools.
Treatment Options
Managing pulmonary hypertension involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical therapies.
“For many patients, managing pulmonary hypertension starts with simple but impactful changes, like incorporating light exercise or maintaining muscle mass,” Dr. Brierre says.
Lifestyle changes would include:
- Staying Active: Light exercises like walking or swimming can strengthen the heart and lungs without overexerting them
- Maintaining Muscle Mass: Physical therapy or resistance exercises can help improve overall health and energy levels
Medications
Depending on the type and severity of pulmonary hypertension, doctors may prescribe:
- Oral Medications: These help relax blood vessels in the lungs to improve blood flow
- Inhaled Therapies: Delivered through a nebulizer, these reduce pressure in the pulmonary arteries
- Injectable Medications: Reserved for advanced cases, these offer powerful relief for symptoms
“In advanced cases, injectable therapies can significantly improve symptoms, but these require close monitoring and a strong partnership between doctor and patient,” Dr. Moraes says.
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs and underlying conditions.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
The earlier pulmonary hypertension is detected, the more options patients have to manage the condition and maintain their quality of life. By recognizing symptoms and seeking medical care promptly, you can take control of your health.
