Pulmonary hypertension is a medical condition where there is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs reflecting back on the right side of the heart (right ventricle and right atrium). The symptoms are many including shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitation, lightheadedness, fainting among others. Usually, the diagnosis is suspected based on the results of Echocardiogram done to evaluate shortness of breath or chest pain. The Gold standard in making the diagnosis is right heart catheterization. A procedure done by cardiologists with measurement of the pressures inside the right side of the heart.
The causes of pulmonary hypertension are categorized based on the World Health Organization (WHO) into five different groups:
- WHO Group I – Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
- WHO Group II – Pulmonary hypertension secondary to left heart disease
- WHO Group III – Pulmonary hypertension due to lung disease, chronic hypoxia
- WHO Group IV – chronic arterial obstruction
- WHO Group V – Pulmonary hypertension with unclear or multifactorial mechanisms
Each group has many diseases. Group II, or “left heart disease” is by far the most common Group.
At TruDoc Medical we evaluate the presence of pulmonary hypertension. We determine if a right heart catheterization is needed. We evaluate the need for further steps to make the correct diagnosis. After we confirm the diagnosis and place the cause under the proper WHO category, we offer the appropriate and most effective treatment including the advanced specialized treatments of Group I pulmonary arterial hypertension. We monitor disease progression over time and advise about the need for referral to a tertiary center for further treatment options.