Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lung. It is different than regular hypertension (high blood pressure). Pulmonary hypertension is a debilitating and progressive disorder. It causes shortness of breath, heart failure and even premature death.

Pulmonary Hypertension: What You Need to Know

Prevention

Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce your chances of getting pulmonary hypertension. Quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight to help prevent this condition. In addition, it is important to manage asthma or other chronic conditions that may cause pulmonary hypertension.

Teamwork

The University of Vermont Medical Center doctors use a collaborative approach to treating pulmonary hypertension. Your team may include a number of different specialists working together to manage your care.

Technology

We use the most sophisticated medical technology available for diagnosing and treating pulmonary hypertension, including specialized medication therapy.

Personalized care

The UVM Medical Center doctors tailor a course of treatment specifically for you. Your treatment will depend on a number of factors, including how advanced the condition is.

Experience, trusted expertise

At The UVM Medical Center, our specialists have years of experience diagnosing and treating pulmonary hypertension. You can feel confident knowing you have placed your care in experienced and skilled hands.

What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries that lead from your heart to your lungs. It often causes shortness of breath. As the disease progresses, it becomes difficult to perform regular activities without becoming fatigued. Risk factors for developing pulmonary hypertension include smoking and being overweight.

Our doctors treat patients with two types of pulmonary hypertension:

• Primary, also called idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, in which the cause is unknown
• Secondary, in which another disease or disorder is causing the hypertension, including:
  • Thromboembolic disease (blood clots in the lung)
  • Valvular heart disease
  • Lung disease
  • Collagen vascular diseases such as scleroderma or lupus
  • Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and pulmonary vasculitis
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Low thyroid

Diagnosis and Treatment: Pulmonary Hypertension

If you smoke or have a chronic lung or heart condition, you are at increased risk for developing pulmonary hypertension. It is important to talk to your doctor about regular monitoring. When we diagnose the problem earlier, it is easier to treat.

At The UVM Medical Center, we use a combination of imaging scans, including echocardiogram and electrocardiogram, to diagnose pulmonary hypertension. Then, we will create a personalized treatment plan for you. Treatment options may include medication and surgery.

Learn more about pulmonary hypertension diagnosis and treatment.