Pulmonary hypertension (PH), or high blood pressure in the lungs, can affect your quality of life and lead to right-sided heart failure. Experts at the (AHN) Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic diagnose and treat PH. We were the first PH clinic in western Pennsylvania accredited by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association as a Center for Comprehensive Care*.
Our doctors will complete a physical examination and run a series of tests to diagnose the cause of the condition along with its severity. Management of PH may include:
The best treatment for pulmonary hypertension depends upon the type of pulmonary hypertension you have and its severity. For pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), treatment is typically medications that dilate or relax the constriction in the pulmonary arteries. PH medicines can be used alone but are often combined, and treatments range from oral to inhaled and intravenous options. In some patients with severe and progressive PAH, lung transplantation may be a treatment option.
There are several factors that can cause raised blood pressure in the lungs, leading to different types of PH, including:
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic disease that causes thickening and constriction of the blood vessels of the lungs, preventing blood from circulating properly through the lungs and putting stress on the right side of the heart. There are a variety of types of PAH: idiopathic, heritable, drug- and toxin-induced, PAH associated with congenital heart disease, PAH associated with connective tissue and autoimmune disorders, and, lastly, PAH related to liver disease with portal hypertension.
PVH, also known as post-capillary PH, occurs when there is back pressure of fluid into the lungs. This is caused by left-sided congestive heart failure, either due to a weak left-sided heart muscle, left-sided valvular heart disease, or stiffness of the left side of the heart.
This type occurs due to primary issues with the lungs, such as pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and emphysema. Newer therapies are now available to treat patients with pulmonary hypertension related to pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea, and sleep disordered breathing.
AHN experts are experienced at treating a rare form of PH called chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). CTEPH is a rare and progressive type of PH caused by blood clots, or pulmonary emboli, that are either never recognized or don’t dissolve in the lungs despite treatment with blood thinners. These blood clots clog or narrow the small blood vessels in the lungs, interfering with blood flow. Learn more about CTEPH.
Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about AHN cardiovascular services.
The AHN Pulmonary Hypertension Program is located within the AHN Cardiovascular Institute at:
Allegheny General Hospital
320 East North Avenue
South Tower, First Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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Hours: 8:00 AM –5:00 PM
We also provide cardiac services at these locations:
*For more information on the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Center for Comprehensive Care accreditation, visit phassociation.org/phcarecenters/accredited-centers
