Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure inside the arteries supplying the lungs becomes abnormally high. As pressure in these lung arteries increases, the right side of the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the lungs. Over time, this increased strain can weaken the heart and lead to serious complications if not diagnosed and treated early.
Patients with pulmonary hypertension commonly experience breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort, dizziness, palpitations, swelling of the legs, or reduced exercise capacity. In advanced stages, patients may develop fainting episodes or signs of right-sided heart failure.
Pulmonary hypertension can occur due to several underlying conditions including heart disease, chronic lung disease, recurrent blood clots in the lungs, congenital heart disease, connective tissue disorders, sleep apnea, or certain rare vascular diseases.
Pulmonary hypertension evaluation requires detailed assessment to identify the underlying cause, severity of disease, and effect on heart function. Initial evaluation usually includes ECG, chest X-ray, blood tests, pulmonary function tests, CT scan, and echocardiography, which helps estimate pressure in the lung arteries and assess right heart function. Additional specialized investigations may sometimes be required depending on the suspected cause.
Right heart catheterization is considered the gold standard test for confirming pulmonary hypertension and accurately measuring pressures inside the heart and lung arteries. This minimally invasive procedure helps guide diagnosis, severity assessment, and treatment planning. In selected patients, vasoreactivity testing and advanced imaging studies may also be performed.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of pulmonary hypertension. Early diagnosis is extremely important because untreated pulmonary hypertension can gradually lead to right heart failure and worsening symptoms. Management may include medications to reduce lung artery pressure, treatment of underlying heart or lung disease, oxygen therapy, blood thinners in selected cases, lifestyle modification, and regular follow-up monitoring.
Modern advances in pulmonary hypertension diagnosis and treatment have improved outcomes and quality of life for many patients. Early evaluation, specialized care, and timely treatment play a major role in slowing disease progression and improving long-term heart and lung function.
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