Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension happens when the pressure in the blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs is too high. With pulmonary hypertension, the blood vessels to the lungs develop an increased amount of muscle in the wall of the blood vessels.
Symptoms
- Blue lips and skin (cyanosis)
- Chest pressure or pain.
- Dizziness or fainting spells (syncope)
- Fast pulse or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea), initially while exercising and eventually while at rest.
- Swelling (edema) in the ankles, legs and eventually the belly area (abdomen)
Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosis
- Preliminary Tests
- Blood Tests
- Chest X-Rays
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Pulmonary Function Tests
- Exercise Tolerance Test (Six-Minute Walk Test)
- Nuclear Scan (Ventilation/Perfusion Scan or V/Q Scan)
Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment
- Get plenty of rest.
- Stay as active as possible
- Don’t smoke
- Talk to a health care provider before becoming pregnant
- Avoid high altitudes.
- Eat healthy and manage weight