Pulmonary Hypertension
Expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and all forms of PH.
Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a rare, progressive disorder characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, making the right side of the heart work harder to pump blood.
PH affects approximately 1% of the global population. Over time, increased pressure can weaken the right ventricle, leading to heart failure.
Critical: PH is often misdiagnosed as asthma or COPD. Early diagnosis by a specialist is crucial.
Types of PH (WHO Groups)
Group 1: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Idiopathic, heritable, or associated with connective tissue disease, HIV, congenital heart disease.
Group 2: PH due to Left Heart Disease
Caused by left ventricular dysfunction or valvular disease.
Group 3: PH due to Lung Disease
Associated with COPD, interstitial lung disease, sleep apnea.
Group 4: Chronic Thromboembolic PH
Caused by blood clots that don't dissolve.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for other conditions.
Shortness of Breath
Initially with exertion
Fatigue
Overwhelming tiredness
Chest Pain
Angina-like pain
Swelling (Edema)
Ankles, legs, abdomen
Dizziness/Fainting
During physical activity
Cyanosis
Bluish lips or skin
WHO Functional Classification
Class I
No limitation of physical activity. No dyspnea with exertion.
Class II
Slight limitation. Comfortable at rest, ordinary activity causes dyspnea.
Class III
Marked limitation. Less than ordinary activity causes symptoms.
Class IV
Unable to perform physical activity. Symptoms at rest.
Risk Factors & Causes
Medical Conditions
- Connective tissue diseases
- Congenital heart disease
- Liver disease (portal hypertension)
- HIV infection
- Chronic lung disease
Other Risk Factors
- Family history/genetic mutations
- Female gender (2-4x more common)
- High altitude living
- Certain drugs/toxins
Diagnostic Approach
- Echocardiogram: First-line test to estimate pulmonary artery pressure
- Right Heart Catheterization: Gold standard for diagnosis
- Pulmonary Function Tests: To rule out lung disease
- V/Q Scan: To detect CTEPH
- 6-Minute Walk Test: Assesses functional capacity
When to Seek Urgent Care
🚨 Seek immediate consultation if you have:
- Worsening shortness of breath limiting daily activities
- Chest pain that doesn't resolve with rest
- Fainting episodes (syncope)
- Rapidly increasing swelling in legs or abdomen
Advanced Treatment Options
💊 Targeted PAH Therapies
Prostacyclin Pathway Agents
Epoprostenol, Treprostinil, Selexipag
Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
Bosentan, Ambrisentan, Macitentan
PDE-5 Inhibitors
Sildenafil, Tadalafil
🫀 Supportive Therapies
- Oxygen therapy
- Diuretics for fluid retention
- Anticoagulation (for CTEPH)
⚙️ Interventional/Surgical
- Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy
- Atrial Septostomy
- Lung or Heart-Lung Transplantation
Lifestyle Management
- Low-sodium diet
- Supervised exercise/rehabilitation
- Avoid pregnancy (high risk)
- Stay up-to-date with vaccinations
Prognosis & Outcomes
1-year survival
3-year survival
5-year survival
Improving Outlook: With early diagnosis and modern therapy, survival rates have dramatically improved.
Why Choose Our PH Center?
Specialized care for pulmonary vascular disease
Multidisciplinary Team
Cardiology, Pulmonology, Rheumatology
Advanced Diagnostics
Right heart cath, V/Q scans, MRI
Access to Novel Therapies
Clinical trials & combination regimens
Lifelong Follow-up
Comprehensive disease management
Request a Consultation
Expert PH evaluation within 48 hours
Related Care
Explore associated treatments
PH Specialist Hotline
+91 813-044-8904
Available for urgent consultations