Care for pulmonary hypertension in Indiana

Pulmonary hypertension care in Indiana

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), also known as high blood pressure in your lungs, affects children and adults. It can be caused from high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, connective tissue disease, liver disease, blood clots to the lungs, and chronic lung diseases. Pulmonary hypertension can cause the arteries in your lungs to narrow, which leads to lower levels of oxygen in your blood. Specialists at Ascension St. Vincent in Evansville, Indianapolis and surrounding communities in Indiana, specialize in diagnosing and treating pulmonary hypertension. We start by listening to you, to better understand you and your symptoms. Then, we work with you to create a care plant that’s right for you. 

There are many different treatment options for pulmonary hypertension. Your doctor takes the time to explain your condition and treatment options to you. Common treatment options include medication and oxygen therapy.

When you choose Ascension St. Vincent For your care, you may have an opportunity to enroll in a clinical trial at Ascension St. Vincent Cardiovascular Research Institute.

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Accredited care for pulmonary hypertension

At Ascension St. Vincent, we have a dedicated pulmonary hypertension program. Our program is the first accredited program in Indiana by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association for Pulmonary Hypertension Care Centers. This accreditation is awarded to programs that demonstrate a dedication to making a proper diagnosis, and the capacity to appropriately and comprehensively manage PH patients.

The pulmonary hypertension program has also been designated as a Regional Clinical Program, a designation of the Pulmonary Hypertension Care Centers accreditation program. Ascension St. Vincent earned this distinction by providing expert-level care based on published evidence-based guidelines.

Ascension St. Vincent is ranked highest by CMS among other top hospitals.

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension

You may not have symptoms when you have pulmonary hypertension. Many people do not show symptoms until their condition gets worse. People with the high blood pressure in their lungs can go months or years thinking they have an illness such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include:

• Shortness of breath, when exercising and eventually at rest
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Chest pressure or pain
• Swelling in ankles, legs and possibly in abdomen
• Bluish color to lips and skin
• Racing pulse or heart palpitations

Your primary care doctor or cardiologist may refer you to a pulmonary hypertension specialist. Every appointment with your specialist starts with a conversation about how you are feeling, any new symptoms or concerns. Your care team will take the time to answer all your questions — big and small. By getting to know you and working together, we develop a care plan that’s personalized for you. 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT - 317-338-6242

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.