Overview
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) means the blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs is higher than normal, which strains the right side of the heart. It can be linked to lung diseases (such as COPD, ILD or sleep apnoea), heart disease, blood clots or, less often, disease of the lung arteries themselves.
Common Symptoms
- Breathlessness on exertion
- Tiredness
- Chest discomfort on exertion
- Light-headedness or fainting on exertion
- Ankle swelling
When to Consult a Pulmonologist
See a specialist if an echocardiogram has suggested raised lung pressures, or if you have unexplained breathlessness that is getting worse.
How We Diagnose It
Assessment includes echocardiography (arranged with cardiology), lung function with DLCO, the six-minute walk test, oxygen assessment, CT imaging and a search for sleep apnoea or clots. Right-heart catheterisation, when needed, is arranged at a specialist centre.
Treatment Approach
Treatment focuses on the underlying cause — for example optimising COPD, ILD or sleep-apnoea care and oxygen where needed. Patients who may need specific PH medicines are referred to a pulmonary hypertension centre.
