What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension refers to a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, increased resistance in the lung vasculature, and subsequent impairment of right heart function. It is not a single disease but rather a clinical manifestation that can arise from various underlying conditions.

Understanding the Diagnostic Process

The diagnostic criteria for pulmonary hypertension are based on measurements obtained through right heart catheterization at sea level. A mean pulmonary artery pressure of 25 mmHg or higher confirms the condition. However, reaching a diagnosis often involves a series of complex evaluations and tests before a definitive conclusion is made.

Initial Screening and Symptoms

The first and most important screening tool is the echocardiogram. Patients may present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or even coughing up blood. When clinicians observe these signs, they may strongly suspect pulmonary hypertension and recommend an echocardiogram to assess the patient's pulmonary artery pressure and right heart function.

Confirming the Diagnosis

If the echocardiogram suggests elevated pulmonary artery pressure, the next step is to perform a right heart catheterization—the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension. This procedure provides the most accurate measurement of pulmonary artery pressure. If the results show a mean pressure of 25 mmHg or more, a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is confirmed.