Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) means that the pressures inside the blood vessels of the lungs are too high. Therefore, regular measurement of these pressures becomes important both in terms... More
The first (sometimes called the 'top') number is the systolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure derives its name from the fact that it is measured during systole, the period of... More
There are two main methods used to measure pulmonary artery (PA) pressures: trans-thoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and right heart catheterization. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart; trans-thoracic... More
One of the tests we have already discussed is the TTE. This is essentially a video ultrasound of the heart and it is very useful to look at the... More
A cardiac or right heart catheterization is a test which directly measures the pressures in the chambers of the heart and the pulmonary arteries. The test is performed by... More
How you are followed or monitored will likely depend on how you are doing clinically in terms of your medications and symptoms. If you require adjustments to your medications... More
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may go undiagnosed for months to years after the onset of symptoms. There are several reasons for this, but the most common ones are that... More
Initially, most PAH patients have a number of tests to identify the cause of their symptoms. Symptoms that are non-specific, such as shortness of breath or chest discomfort, often... More
As described previously, many of the symptoms of PAH are very non-specific. The symptoms may suggest a diagnosis of PAH or point your doctor toward it, but a diagnostic... More