PULMONARY HYPERTENSION PROGRAM
The Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Pulmonary Associates of Richmond is accredited through the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) as a Pulmonary Hypertension Care Center (PHCC). It is one of only six accredited programs in the state, and the only office-based center to achieve accreditation in Richmond. Our team of experienced clinicians is skilled at diagnosis and treatment of this complex, chronic condition. We offer the full range of treatment options, allowing our patients to receive a personalized treatment plan using shared decision making informed by evidence-based guidelines. Our robust clinical research program provides our patients with an opportunity to take part in several clinical trials involving pulmonary hypertension and advanced lung disease.
Call 804-320-4243 to schedule an appointment.
Now enrolling patients with interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, lung nodules, and sleep apnea in clinical trials at our West Broad Street location.
What is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious medical condition that causes abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries that go between the heart and lungs. (It is not the same as having regular high blood pressure that is measured with a blood pressure cuff.) The condition affects the way the heart pushes blood into the lungs. An elevated blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs damages the smaller vessels and capillaries in your lungs making it harder for blood to flow through them. As the heart works harder to push the blood through the lungs, it eventually becomes weak, which can result in heart failure.
Pulmonary Associates of Richmond includes a team of lung specialists who are highly trained in diagnosing and treating PH. Once your doctor identifies the cause of your pulmonary hypertension, he or she can develop a treatment plan that is right for your specific type.
TYPES OF PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
- Pulmonary hypertension due to left-sided heart disease (left heart failure, valve disease)
- Pulmonary hypertension due to lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis/interstitial lung disease, chronic high altitude exposure and obstructive sleep apnea
- Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) caused by blood clots in the lungs blocking blood flow
- PH caused by other potential metabolic, systemic or hematologic disorders
CAUSES OF PH
Sometimes, doctors cannot find a reason for the disorder, and this is called idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. Genetics may contribute to the development of this lung condition. Other health conditions can cause the issue, such as:
- Congestive heart failure
- Blood clots in the lungs
- Illegal drug use
- Cirrhosis of the liver and other liver diseases
- Autoimmune disorders like lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis
- Lung diseases such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis or pulmonary fibrosis
- Sleep apnea
SYMPTOMS OF PH
Symptoms often come on slowly with the most common symptoms being shortness of breath with activity. You may notice that you feel winded after exercising or working in the yard. Some other symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Light-headedness or fainting
- Swelling in your ankles and legs
DIAGNOSING PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
Diagnosing the condition can be difficult as many of the symptoms are the same as the symptoms associated with other heart or lung conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), COPD, or interstitial lung disease. To be able to make an accurate diagnosis, patients must undergo a series of tests that will help distinguish PH as the cause of the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Some preliminary testing will include:
- Blood tests
- Chest x-ray
- Electrocardiogram
- Pulmonary function testing
- Exercise tolerance test (six minute walk test)
- Sleep study
The non-invasive test that often provides enough data for a preliminary diagnosis of PH is an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that estimates the pressures in the right side of the heart as well as assesses the heart function. If PH is suspected, further testing with cardiac catheterization is required to make a definitive diagnosis.
TREATMENT FOR PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
Treatment options will vary depending on the severity of your PH. Each person is unique and after your diagnosis, your doctor will help you choose a treatment option that is best for you. First, your doctor will treat the cause of the pulmonary hypertension. The conventional medical therapies are:
- Calcium channel blockers which help decrease blood pressure
- Diuretics help rid the body of excess fluid that puts pressure on the heart
- Oxygen therapy helps patients feel better and helps to alleviate the symptoms of shortness of breath making it easier to stay active
- Warfarin thins the blood and helps prevent blood clots
There are other medications that can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension by helping the blood vessels in the lungs to relax and working to prevent narrowing of blood vessels. We rely on evidence based guidelines to select the most effective medications to treat the type of pulmonary hypertension that is diagnosed. We offer expedited referrals for lung transplant or surgery for pulmonary hypertension if that is the right treatment path for you.
Inhaled medications can help relieve the symptoms of breathlessness and intravenous treatment options are used to open up the blood vessels improving blood flow and easing the symptoms of chest pain as well as shortness of breath.
New medications and treatments are being studied and produced through clinical trials and you can consult your doctor to see if there is a study that may be right for you.
The goal of treatment therapies is to reduce your symptoms of shortness of breath, treating the underlying cause, and improving your quality of life. While undergoing treatment, your doctor will schedule regular office visits to make sure your treatment is working for you.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH