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Pulmonary Hypertension
High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which strains the right side of the heart. It causes breathlessness and needs specialist care.
Causes & risk factors
- Long-standing lung disease
- Left-sided heart or valve disease
- Blood clots in the lungs
- Certain congenital heart defects
- Connective tissue diseases
Common symptoms
Tests & diagnosis
- Echocardiogram
- ECG
- Chest X-ray
- Right heart catheterisation
- Lung function tests
Treatment & management
- Treating the underlying lung or heart cause
- Medicines that relax the lung blood vessels (specialist use)
- Oxygen therapy when needed
- Diuretics for fluid overload
- Managing blood clots with blood thinners where relevant
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call emergency services for fainting or severe sudden breathlessness
- See a doctor for unexplained, worsening breathlessness on exertion
- Seek review for leg swelling with breathlessness
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about pulmonary hypertension. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is pulmonary hypertension the same as normal high blood pressure?
No — it affects the lung arteries specifically and needs different, specialist treatment.
Can it be treated?
It cannot always be cured, but treatment can improve symptoms and slow progression.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.