About Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) occurs when there is high blood pressure in the lungs. The increased blood pressure in the lungs can lead to heart failure. There are two types of PH, primary and secondary hypertension. Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) means that there is no know cause for the pulmonary hypertension. Secondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH) means that there is a disease or condition that caused the pulmonary hypertension to develop. Some of the conditions that can contribute to secondary pulmonary hypertension include congenital heart defects, chronic lung diseases, autoimmune diseases, liver diseases, diet pills, and exposure to various toxins.
Pulmonary hypertension effects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. People with pulmonary hypertension often feel tired and short of breath, especially with activity. Other complaints may include dizziness, chest pains, fainting spells, and palpations. Symptoms and severity of symptoms vary among all people with pulmonary hypertension. Currently, there is no way to prevent pulmonary hypertension from occurring. Pulmonary hypertension is a disease that can progress over time, especially if not properly diagnosed, monitored, or treated. As the pressure in the lungs gets higher, the heart must continue to work harder which can lead to right heart failure.
Pulmonary Hypertension Program at The Children’s Hospital
The Children's Hospital hosts one of the premier pulmonary hypertension programs in the United States . Our program offers state of the art diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension in children. Treatment options include calcium channel blockers, Flolan (epoprostenol), Bosentan (Tracleer), and studies in clinical trials including home nitric oxide, sildenafil, sitaxsentan and Iloprost.
Resources for Families
The Pediatric Heart Lung Center (PHLC) at The Children’s Hospital is a multidisciplinary program that provides a unique approach toward patient care, education, research and training in childhood heart and lung disease. We currently manage more than 120 patients with severe pulmonary hypertension either as a primary diagnosis (primary pulmonary hypertension) or an association with heart or lung disease.
Pulmonary Hypertension Association website
