Pulmonary Hypertension Specialist

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a form of high blood pressure that affects arteries on the right side of your heart and in your lungs. Blood vessels are destroyed, blocked, or narrowed and blood flow is slowed. Pulmonary hypertension can weaken your heart and threaten your life when left untreated. Treatment can eliminate symptoms and give you a better quality of life.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension?

Symptoms associated with pulmonary hypertension can include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Chest pain or pressure
• Swelling in your abdomen, legs, and ankles
• Bluish lips or skin
• Heart palpitations
• Racing pulse

You might not notice any symptoms with pulmonary hypertension, at least not right away. Symptoms can develop slowly over time, and often get worse as the disease gets worse.

What are the risk factors for pulmonary hypertension?

Anyone can develop pulmonary hypertension, but some things boost your risk of getting it. These include:

• Older age
• Obesity
• Blood-clotting disorders
• History of lung blood clots
• Asbestos exposure
• Congenital heart disease
• Other genetic disorders
• Living in high altitudes
• Using illicit drugs
• Some weight loss drugs
• Some medications

Complications associated with untreated pulmonary hypertension can include heart enlargement, heart failure, blood clots, irregular heartbeats, bleeding in the lungs, and pregnancy complications.

How does my doctor diagnose pulmonary hypertension?

To find out if you have pulmonary hypertension and how severe it is, Dr. Alim reviews your symptoms (if you have any) and medical history. He completes a physical exam and could recommend that you have blood tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, heart function tests, or right heart catheterization. He might also suggest lung function testing and/or a lung biopsy.

What are common pulmonary hypertension treatments?

Depending on how severe your pulmonary hypertension is, Dr. Alim will recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes that can reduce pulmonary hypertension include getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, not smoking, eating healthy foods, and not taking birth control pills. Avoid high altitudes when possible and maintain a healthy weight.

Medications

Taking certain medications can reduce the effects of pulmonary hypertension and the symptoms it causes, while reducing your risk of complications.

Surgery

Surgery is used to either replace organs or make an opening between the upper left and right heart chambers, to relieve pressure and unpleasant symptoms.

Don’t let pulmonary hypertension go undetected and untreated. Call the office of Salman, MD, today to schedule an appointment or book one online.