Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension

Arizona Center for Chest Diseases releases treatment and overview of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension is a disease process resulting in increased blood pressure within the vascular bed that provides blood flow to the lungs (via Mayo Clinic) . As the blood pressure within the lungs becomes progressively elevated, it places a strain on the right side of the heart. This leads to all the symptoms of shortness of breath, limited exertional tolerance, fluid retention, and fatigue.

Many different disease processes can result in increased pulmonary blood pressure of pulmonary hypertension, including primary cardiac disease, chronic lung disease, blood clotting disorders, rheumatology diseases, sleep apnea, HIV, medication effect, and cirrhosis. Identifying the underlying cause of PH is critical to formulating and plan and treatment as well as prognosis.

The last 10 years have seen major advances in the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of pulmonary hypertension. Every year, new medications have been developed and brought into the treatment of a potentially debilitating problem. At Arizona Center for Chest Diseases we understand that early identification and treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is important. The disease is most responsive to treatment when identified and treated early. Our management begins with a basic assessment the cause of disease as well as the severity for each patient with Pulmonary Hypertension. The approach to treatment depends on the cause of pulmonary hypertension as well as the severity. Treatment regimens, protocols, and options are evolving rapidly and have improving success in controlling or limiting the progression of symptoms and shortness of breath.

To learn more about primary therapy and to have a baseline assessment performed for your Pulmonary Hypertension contact Arizona Center for Chest Diseases today. Our trained physicians can help educate patients on the risks and treatments of pulmonary hypertension.