Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) silently affects millions worldwide. Learn more about...
Read MoreInhale confidence, exhale doubt. Managing pulmonary hypertension starts at Inspira.
What is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Normally, the pulmonary arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs to pick up oxygen. In someone with pulmonary hypertension, the artery walls become thickened and narrowed, increasing resistance to blood flow. As a result, the right side of the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the lungs, leading to strain on the heart muscle, potentially causing it to enlarge and weaken over time. If left untreated, pulmonary hypertension can lead to serious complications such as right-sided heart failure and arrhythmias and can be fatal.
Early intervention in pulmonary hypertension is essential to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life. It allows doctors to identify underlying causes and tailor therapies, enhancing treatment outcomes.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension
Some symptoms of pulmonary hypertension can indicate a medical emergency. Seek medical help right away if you experience severe chest pain, sudden difficulty breathing, fainting, or other serious symptoms. Common symptoms associated with pulmonary hypertension include:
- Fatigue
- Bluish lips or skin
- Heart palpitations
- Fainting or dizziness
- Chest pain or pressure
- Swelling in the ankles and legs
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
How is Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosed?
Diagnosing pulmonary hypertension involves a comprehensive assessment integrating medical history, physical examination, imaging studies and pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and may involve invasive procedures. Your evaluation may include echocardiography, a noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart and measure pulmonary artery pressure, and right-heart catheterization, an invasive procedure that measures pulmonary artery pressure and assesses heart function. Your doctor may also recommend additional imaging studies and blood tests to assess heart and lung function. These diagnostic tests help confirm a diagnosis and determine the condition’s severity.
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Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment Options
Medication Management
Medications may include vasodilators to relax blood vessels, diuretics to reduce fluid buildup and targeted therapies to address the underlying causes of pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation offers structured exercise training, education and support to improve your physical endurance, breathing techniques and overall quality of life.
Advanced Therapies
For severe cases of pulmonary hypertension, advanced therapies target different pathways and aim to improve blood flow, relieve symptoms and slow disease progression.
Our Approach to Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment
At Inspira, our approach to treating pulmonary hypertension, centers around personalized care that improves your respiratory health and quality of life. We understand the challenges of living with pulmonary hypertension and are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely to develop holistic treatment plans tailored to your needs and goals. From accurate diagnosis to ongoing management and support, we are dedicated to improving heart and lung function, alleviating your symptoms, and improving your overall well-being. Through a combination of medication management, pulmonary rehabilitation, and advanced therapies, we strive to empower you to live your best life—despite the challenges you face with your condition.
