We provide care in three easily-accessible locations across the Rio Grande Valley.
1604 East 8th St., Suite A
Weslaco, TX
Phone: (956) 447-5557
5300 North McColl Rd., Suite 100
McAllen, TX
Phone: (956) 630-1000
1022 E. Griffin Pkwy.
Mission, TX 78572
Phone: (956) 833-6000
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition that develops when the blood pressure in your lungs is higher than normal. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the lungs. It develops when the blood pressure in your lungs is higher than normal. About 1% of people globally have pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension makes the heart work harder than usual to pump blood into the lungs. The heart must work harder than usual to pump blood to the lungs. It is a life-threatening disease that affects about 1% of people globally.
There are five different groups of pulmonary hypertension based on various causes, namely:
Some common causes of pulmonary hypertension include high blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries due to some types of congenital heart disease, connective tissue disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, liver disease (cirrhosis), blood clots to the lungs, and chronic lung diseases like emphysema. You may have been diagnosed with a specific condition previously.
Pulmonary hypertension often involves various symptoms. Shortness of breath – especially during physical activity or even while at rest- is one of the primary indications. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pressure or pain, fast pulse or racing heartbeat, dizziness, fainting spells, blue or grey skin color due to low oxygen levels, and swelling in the legs and belly area. As the condition progresses, symptoms may exacerbate.
Accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in pulmonary hypertension and includes various tests, starting with your medical history. Pulmonary hypertension is complicated to diagnose at an early stage because it is not often found during a routine physical exam. The symptoms are similar to those of other heart and lung conditions, so visiting experts, as proper treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. For precise diagnostic procedures, the Pulmonary & Sleep Center of the Valley offers complete diagnostic testing to evaluate and diagnose. These tests include the following:
As there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve the patient’s quality of life. Finding the most appropriate treatment often takes time, and treatments are often complex. Treatment includes:
Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease with a poor prognosis if left untreated. However, the prognosis and life expectancy can vary significantly depending on the stage at which it is diagnosed and the underlying cause. With advanced treatment and management strategies, many individuals can still live a fulfilling life despite having the condition. Significantly improving the prognosis requires a collaborative approach, regular monitoring, and adherence to treatment plans.
While not all pulmonary hypertension can be prevented, steps can be taken to alleviate symptoms. These include lifestyle changes – stop smoking, manage high blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight range, exercise, have a nutritious, balanced diet, manage stress, and look after yourself and your heart.
This page provides a general overview of pulmonary hypertension. However, it is essential to contact professionals for specific diagnosis, treatment, and support. The Pulmonary & Sleep Center of the Valley can provide all the education and support you need to manage this debilitating disease and improve your life.
