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
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.