Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex and often misunderstood condition that requires specialized care for proper management and treatment. The team at Houston Pulmonary, Sleep & Allergy Associates provides detailed guidance and treatment for all causes of PH, so you can get relief from your symptoms. With locations in Cypress and Houston, Texas, you can get dedicated PH care at your convenience. Call one of the locations or use the online tool to schedule your visit today.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in your heart-to-lung system. With PH, the blood vessels in your lungs become stiff, damaged, or narrow, and your heart must work harder to pump blood through your lungs.
Common signs of PH include:
There are five different categories of PH, all of which have different causes and treatment approaches. The team at Houston Pulmonary, Sleep & Allergy Associates has expertise in proper care and management of all categories.
PH has many causes which determine the type of PH you have. Common causes of PH include:
Your heart-to-lung system is an essential part of your body that requires specialized treatment if it’s affected by other conditions.
If you have a lung condition or show signs of PH, the team begins your visit with a thorough medical history and physical examination. They ask about any medical conditions you have and the symptoms you’re experiencing.
During your exam, your provider listens to your heart and lungs to check for abnormal sounds. Additional testing for PH includes sleep studies and pulmonary function tests, which can be done in the office.
With these tests, the team studies the function of your heart and lungs to determine the cause of your symptoms and rule out any other possible causes like sleep apnea or COPD. Additional testing may be required to visualize the blood vessels in your lungs so that the team can determine the severity of your PH.
PH treatment will depend on the type of PH you have. In many cases, lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise can reduce your symptoms.
Other strategies for management involve treating the underlying conditions that caused or worsen your PH. This may include medications for high blood pressure, infections, or blood clots.
PH can be a scary, confusing diagnosis, but support and treatment can help. Call Houston Pulmonary, Sleep & Allergy Associates, or schedule a visit online now to get started.
