What are the main symptoms or signs of Pulmonary hypertension: high pressure in the lung arteries?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Pulmonary hypertension: high pressure in the lung arteries?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Pulmonology

Pulmonary hypertension: high pressure in the lung arteries

Breathlessness that is often blamed on being unfit

Dr. Elise Fabre

Pulmonologist

6 min read

Medical illustration of Pulmonary hypertension: high pressure in the lung arteries

In simple terms

Why pressure rises between heart and lungs, the tests that confirm it, and today's treatments.

What it is, in plain words

Pulmonary hypertension means the blood pressure inside the arteries that carry blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs is too high. The right ventricle has to push harder, thickens, then gradually fails. This is completely different from ordinary high blood pressure in the arm, and a normal arm reading says nothing about it.

Signs to look out for

Breathlessness on effort that slowly worsens over months
Unusual fatigue and light-headedness, sometimes fainting on exertion
Chest tightness and palpitations
Swelling of ankles, legs and abdomen
Blue tinge of lips or fingers in advanced disease

Why it happens

It can be a disease of the lung arteries themselves, sometimes familial or linked to connective tissue disease, HIV or certain drugs. More often it is secondary to left heart disease, chronic lung disease such as COPD or fibrosis, or to old blood clots that never dissolved.

How doctors confirm it

An echocardiogram estimates the pressure and looks at the right ventricle. Confirmation requires right heart catheterisation, which measures the pressure directly. Lung function tests, a ventilation-perfusion scan for clots, CT scanning and blood tests identify the underlying cause, which determines treatment.

Treatments and solutions

Treating the cause first: heart failure control, oxygen and inhalers for lung disease, anticoagulation and possible surgery for chronic clots
Specific vasodilator medicines for pulmonary arterial hypertension, including endothelin receptor antagonists, PDE-5 inhibitors and prostacyclin analogues, often in combination
Diuretics to reduce fluid overload, and long-term oxygen when levels are low
Supervised pulmonary rehabilitation, which improves walking distance and quality of life
Lung or heart-lung transplantation for selected patients who progress despite therapy

Living with it day to day

Avoid pregnancy without specialist advice because it is high risk, keep vaccinations current, stay gently active within your limits, weigh yourself regularly to catch fluid retention, and be followed in an expert centre.

When to seek medical help

Seek urgent care for fainting, chest pain, coughing blood, or a rapid increase in swelling and breathlessness.

This article explains general health information in simple language. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Chronic: A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
Blood pressure: The force of blood pushing against your artery walls. Too high, over years, damages the heart and vessels.
Vaccine: A safe training session for your immune system, so it can fight a germ later.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pulmonary hypertension: high pressure in the lung arteries?: Why pressure rises between heart and lungs, the tests that confirm it, and today's treatments.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Pulmonary hypertension: high pressure in the lung arteries?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Pulmonary hypertension: high pressure in the lung arteries?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

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