Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in your lungs that weakens your heart. Treatment by our expert PH team will strengthen your heart and renew your hope.
In the U.S., there are an estimated 500 to 1,000 new cases of pulmonary hypertension diagnosed each year, but the actual number of cases is unknown. Pulmonary hypertension sometimes has no known cause, what we refer to as ‘idiopathic.’ Many times, however, other health conditions contribute to the development of pulmonary hypertension, including autoimmune conditions like scleroderma, lupus and mixed connective tissue disease.
Primary lung conditions including pulmonary embolism, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, or COPD (‘emphysema’) and heart conditions including congenital heart disease, atrial septal defect, congestive heart failure and valve problems can also lead to pulmonary hypertension. Regardless of cause, most of our patients have been suffering from debilitating symptoms for months and often years before arriving at our center.
The following are the most common symptoms for pulmonary hypertension. However, you may experience symptoms differently – and these symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems, so it’s always best to talk with your doctor. Pulmonary hypertension symptoms include:
Pulmonary hypertension is rarely discovered in a routine medical examination, and in its later stages, the signs of the disease can be confused with other conditions affecting the heart and lungs. Pulmonary hypertension is a diagnosis of exclusion. Diagnostic procedures may include:
Specific treatment for pulmonary hypertension will be determined by your doctor based on your age, overall health, medical history, the extent of the disease and your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies. Of course, your personal opinions and preferences will also be taken into consideration. Although there is currently no cure for pulmonary hypertension, we offer some of the most advanced treatment therapies available today. Treatment may include one or more of the following:
Medications
Surgery
Supplemental oxygen. Some patients also require supplemental oxygen delivered through nasal prongs or a mask if breathing becomes difficult.
Our pulmonary rehabilitation programs at INTEGRIS help you by creating individualized plans and education, so you can do more things you enjoy. Support services include:
We strive to provide you with care that’s not only the best available, but care that’s convenient and as close to home as possible. These INTEGRIS Health locations near you are ready to help.
