Diseases A–ZPulmonary hypertension
How to diagnose Pulmonary Hypertension?
Your doctor will diagnose PH based on your symptoms, family history, physical examination, and medical laboratory tests. Your doctor will also test you for the possible diseases that cause PH.
The medical tests could include chest X-rays, blood tests, pulmonary function tests (including spirometry), electrocardiogram (EKG), and echocardiogram.
Treatments for Pulmonary Hypertension
If left untreated, PH can get worse and can often lead to death. There are now medications available to treat PH which work to open up the narrowed pulmonary arteries, reducing the pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). As a result, the heart is better able to pump blood to the lungs.
Surgery (removal of blood clots, lung or heart-lung transplant) can effectively cure PH in some people.
If you or a loved one has PH the best treatment will be based on many factors such as:
- the type of PH
- the cause and severity of the PH
- the age and overall health of the patient
- the presence of other medical conditions and medications
Where can I get more information and support for Pulmonary Hypertension?
LivingwithPH.ca (Dr. Sanjay Mehta): This website provides in-depth patient information on Pulmonary Hypertension, as well as images and videos.
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PAH)-Canada is an organization established by PH patients and their caregivers to provide support and education to the PH patient community (http://www.phacanada.ca/index.php/en). The website provides information as well as opportunities to connect online and in person with PH patients and their caregivers across Canada.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a website from the US Department of Health and Human services, offers a web page with links to reliable information on Pulmonary Hypertension.
Your local Lung Association may know of support groups in your area. Contact us for more information.
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