What it is
It is a long-term condition that usually gets worse over time, but treatment can help with symptoms and slow it down.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include medicines to widen blood vessels, blood thinners, diuretics and oxygen. Some people need surgery or a transplant.
Common signs
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity
- Tiredness
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Chest pain
- A racing heartbeat
- Swelling in the legs, ankles or tummy
How it is usually diagnosed
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests and ECG
- Lung function tests and scans
- Right heart catheterisation
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Echocardiogram reports
- Right heart catheter results
- Lung function and scan reports
- Specialist centre letters
- Medicine lists
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is causing my pulmonary hypertension?
- Which treatments would help me?
- How much activity is safe for me?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Chest pain, fainting, coughing up blood or severe breathlessness: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.