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Pulmonary Hypertension
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition characterized by abnormally high blood pressure in the lungs, which can strain the heart and lead to complications.

Overview

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) affects the blood vessels in the lungs. Normally, the heart pumps blood to the lungs to receive oxygen before sending it to the rest of the body. If the pulmonary arteries become damaged, narrowed, or blocked, blood pressure in these arteries increases.

Causes

PH can develop on its own or be caused by other conditions, including:

  • Heart diseases (left-sided heart failure, congenital heart disease).
  • Lung diseases (COPD, interstitial lung disease, emphysema, sleep apnea).
  • Other conditions (liver diseases, sickle cell disease, pulmonary embolism, connective tissue disorders like scleroderma).

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk include:

  • Age: Usually diagnosed between ages 30 and 60.
  • Environment: Exposure to asbestos or certain parasitic infections.
  • Genetics: Family history of blood clots or genetic disorders like Down syndrome, congenital heart disease, and Gaucher disease.
  • Lifestyle: Smoking and illegal drug use.
  • Medications: Certain cancer and depression treatments.
  • Sex: More common in women than in men.

Symptoms

Symptoms are often similar to other conditions and include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling of the abdomen, legs, or feet
  • Heart palpitations

Diagnosis

Providers diagnose PH by reviewing medical history and symptoms, performing a physical exam (checking blood oxygen, heart/lung sounds, and blood pressure), and ordering tests such as blood tests, heart imaging (cardiac MRI), lung imaging (chest x-ray), and an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG).

Treatment

While there is often no cure, treatment plans manage symptoms and may include:

  • Lifestyle changes: Healthy eating (low salt) and regular physical activity, sometimes through pulmonary rehabilitation.
  • Medicines: Blood thinners, medications to control heart rate, drugs to relax blood vessels, and diuretics to reduce swelling.
  • Oxygen therapy.
  • Procedures: To reduce pressure in the heart or pulmonary artery.
  • Lung transplant: Reserved for severe cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you experience sudden worsening of shortness of breath, chest pain that feels pressure‑like, fainting or near‑fainting (syncope), or rapid swelling of the ankles or abdomen, seek emergency care immediately. These can signal a rapid rise in pulmonary artery pressure or right‑heart failure, which require urgent treatment.
borderline echo means the estimated pulmonary artery pressure is near the upper limit of normal, but the test may miss early disease. Persistent dyspnea warrants further evaluation, often with a formal right‑heart catheterization or advanced imaging (cardiac MRI) to measure pressures directly and assess right‑ventricular function. Discuss a referral to a PH specialist if symptoms continue.
rrive fasting (no food or drink for at least 6 hours) unless your doctor says otherwise. Bring a list of all medications, including over‑the‑counter drugs and supplements, and tell the team if you take blood thinners. Arrange for someone to drive you home, as you’ll be sedated. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid jewelry that could interfere with imaging.
Yes. A low‑salt diet (≤2 g sodium per day) can lessen fluid retention, and regular, physician‑approved aerobic activity—such as walking or stationary cycling for 20–30 minutes most days—improves exercise tolerance. Staying well‑hydrated, quitting smoking, and avoiding high‑altitude travel or strenuous exertion that triggers breathlessness are also important.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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