Overview
Pulmonary hypertension is raised blood pressure within the arteries of the lungs. Over time it forces the right side of the heart to work harder, causing breathlessness, fatigue and, if untreated, heart strain.
It has several causes — from lung disease and clots to heart conditions — so careful evaluation is essential to direct the right treatment.
Common symptoms
- Breathlessness, initially on exertion
- Fatigue and reduced exercise capacity
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Swelling of the ankles or legs in advanced disease
How I can help
Identifying the underlying cause with targeted tests
Treating contributing lung, clot or heart conditions
Specific therapies in appropriate cases
Oxygen, monitoring and coordinated specialist care
Frequently asked questions
What causes pulmonary hypertension?
It can stem from chronic lung disease, recurrent blood clots, heart conditions, or be idiopathic (no clear cause). Because treatment depends heavily on the cause, a thorough work-up is the first priority.