Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) Symptoms

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Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and secondary pulmonary hypertension is characterized by elevated pressure within the pulmonary circulation. They are uncommon causes of shortness of breath. Primary pulmonary hypertension, occurs more often in women, and is relatively uncommon.

Primary pulmonary hypertension has been associated with cirrhosis, HIV, diet medications, and portal hypertension.


Secondary pulmonary hypertension, is most commonly associated with underlying lung disease, such a pulmonary embolus, emphysema, and interstitial lung disease. Other disorders associated with secondary pulmonary hypertension, include obstructive sleep apnea, collagen vascular disease, valvular heart disease, and coronary artery disease.


The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, include shortness of breath, fatigue, exertional dyspnea, and chest pain. Cor-Pulmonale commonly develops in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Patients with pulmonary hypertension, will generally undergo a pulmonary function tests, chest radiograph, chest CT., electrocardiogram, heart catheterization, and echocardiogram.

Patients often have polycythemia, which is secondary to ongoing hypoxemia. Patients with pulmonary hypertension, are often treated with coumadin, calcium channel blockers, intravenous Flolan, and occasionally lung transplantation. They are often cared for by pulmonologists

 
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Symptoms of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension often do not lead directly to the underlying diagnosis and many symptoms can be misleading. Please review all concerns and information found on this website with your health care provider.