Do you find it hard to breathe when exercising? Our heart care team at the Ascension Seton Heart Specialty Care and Transplant Center provides experienced doctors and advanced cardiac testing to determine if you have pulmonary hypertension (PH). Then we provide a care plan that is right for you. Managing pulmonary hypertension can help to prevent heart failure.
To schedule an appointment at our accredited Pulmonary Hypertension program, please call 512-681-0500.
Pulmonary hypertension is also known as high blood pressure of the lungs and affects children and adults of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. PH can result from the arteries in the lungs becoming damaged, narrowed, or stiffened, forcing the right side of the heart to pump extra hard and causing your heart muscle to weaken and fail.
People with the PH may go months, even years, believing they have a less life-threatening illness, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PH is a complex and often misunderstood condition. That is why we have a dedicated program to diagnose and treat pulmonary hypertension.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Shortness of breath, when exercising and eventually at rest
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chest pressure or pain
- Swelling in ankles, legs and possibly in the 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 sub-specialist at the Seton Heart Specialty Care and Transplant Center. This doctor specializes in heart and lung care. Our pulmonary hypertension sub-specialists can help initiate and manage your therapy if you live nearby or help coordinate your care near your home if you live far away
