Breast health and breast cancer as you age
May 15, 2026
Christina J. Kim, MD, breast surgical oncologist at Ascension St. Vincent in Fishers, Indiana, shares why even after age 50, you should still follow breast screening guidelines.
Pulmonary hypertension care
Pulmonary hypertension specialists at Ascension St. Vincent deliver care for adults with high blood pressure in their lungs.
Care for pulmonary hypertension in Indiana
Pulmonary hypertension specialists at Ascension St. Vincent deliver care for adults with high blood pressure in their lungs.
Why choose us
When you choose Ascension St. Vincent for your heart care, your doctor is part of a national heart care team of specialists sharing best practices, research and the latest in cardiovascular therapeutics and treatments -- bringing the best of heart care to you.
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 pulmonary hypertension patients.
Understanding pulmonary hypertension
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.
Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension
Common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include:
- Bluish color to lips and skin
- Chest pressure or pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fatigue
- Racing pulse or heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath, when exercising and eventually at rest
- Swelling in ankles, legs and possibly in abdomen
How we diagnose pulmonary hypertension
We start by listening to you, to better understand you and your symptoms. Then, your doctor works with you to create a care plan that’s right for you. The right care starts with the right diagnosis.
A blood test is a lab analysis of things that may be found in your blood. You may have blood tests to keep track of how well you are managing a condition, such as diabetes or high cholesterol. You may also have them for routine checkups or when you are ill.
This is also known as a cardiac or heart cath. For this test, your doctor guides a small catheter (hollow tube) through the large artery in your upper leg, or sometimes your wrist or arm, into your heart. This procedure lets your doctor take a close look at the heart to identify concerns and to perform other tests or procedures.
This imaging procedure uses an X-ray machine and a computer to create 3-D pictures of the heart. Sometimes a dye is injected into a vein so that your heart arteries can also be seen. Sometimes medicine is given to lower your heart rate so it captures a better image. It can also be used to find out how much calcium is in your heart arteries. Calcium is a marker for coronary artery disease.
A chest X-ray is a quick, noninvasive imaging test that provides a detailed picture of the inside of your chest, helping your care team detect signs of a heart condition.
It's used to check the heart's function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles, the sound waves move through the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues. The waves bounce or "echo" off the heart structures. These sound waves are sent to a computer that can create moving images on the screen of the heart walls and valves.
This test records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias), and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage.
This is a type of nuclear radiology test. A small amount of a radioactive substance is used to help find changes in the arteries leading to the lungs and blood flow within the lungs. This scan can also be used to check lung function.
These are diagnostic tests that help to measure the lungs’ ability to move air into and out of the lungs. The tests are often done with special machines you breathe into.
A sleep study is a number of tests recorded at the same time during sleep. The tests measure specific sleep aspects like the amount of oxygen in your blood and help diagnose sleep disorders and heart conditions.
How we treat pulmonary hypertension
There is no cure for primary pulmonary hypertension. Your doctor helps manage symptoms and may recommend a combination of options treatments.
This may be a treatment option for people with severe disease.
Your cardiologist may recommend medications to help manage your heart condition. Mediation may be used to lower blood pressure, prevent blood clots, lower cholesterol and more.
Some people need supplemental oxygen delivered through nasal prongs or a mask if breathing becomes difficult.
Clinical trials
Our doctors are committed to being leaders in cardiovascular research, working to help improve how we diagnose and treat heart and vascular diseases. You can talk to your cardiologist if you are interested in participating in clinical trials.
Get a second opinion from a heart specialist
Decisions about your heart care are important. Getting a second opinion not only provides more information about your condition, but it can help you feel more confident in the doctor and the care plan you choose. Consider getting a second opinion if:
- Your diagnosis or prognosis is unclear
- You’ve been told you have a rare or life-threatening condition
- You would like to explore other treatment options
- Your treatment options are costly or risky
- You want to hear an opinion from another specialist
- Your insurance requires a second opinion
How to get care
To make an appointment, a referral should be made by your primary care doctor or another specialist. Once the referral is received and reviewed, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
All registered marks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Stories you'll love
Ann Andersen has spent her 60 years caring for patients and building lasting connections across generations of nurses at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville.
Mother of three shares her cervical cancer journey
February 16, 2026
An Indianapolis mother of three shares a message of hope while undergoing cervical cancer treatment at Ascension St. Vincent.
Hormone therapy is an option to treat menopause
January 2, 2026
Susan Benson, MD, gynecologist at Ascension St. Vincent Women’s Health, shares why women don’t have to suffer through menopause with a personalized treatment plan.
15 year old takes the field after head trauma accident
October 2, 2025
Peyton Manning Children's Hospital patient served as the "Coin Toss Kid" at Lucas Oil Stadium during the Colts game in Indianapolis.
How dry needling therapy helps muscle pain
October 2, 2025
Physical therapists at Ascension St. Vincent across Indiana use dry needling to help with muscle injuries by easing pain and helping you move better.
Miranda Wahnsiedler, MSN, BS, AGCNS-BC, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, was recognized by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses for her dedication to the improvement of women’s health.
The new Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, IN, was thoughtfully designed to promote healing and reduce anxiety through intentional choices, while honoring heritage and community.
Ascension St. Vincent renamed its hospitality house in recognition of a legacy gift from a couple whose gratitude for the care they received inspired a remarkable act of giving.
The newly expanded Hilbert Pediatric Emergency Department at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital provides Central Indiana families with greater access to high-quality, specialized emergency care.
If incidents occur this Fourth of July, knowing where and when to get immediate and emergency care is important.
Four summer activities that often lead to injuries
June 23, 2025
Ascension urgent care and orthopedic teams are here to help you manage your summer injury.
Ascension St. Vincent announces its new brain and spine hospital will be named Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent. The name honors the donation from an Indianapolis family for their generosity and partnership.
Heather Wiselogle, academic liaison at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital helped to make her late patient’s dream come true.
The new Ascension St. Vincent Brain and Spine Hospital will be the premier destination for cranial and spine care, ensuring that Indiana families have access to the best care close to home.
Cincinnati Children’s, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital launch collaboration to elevate cardiac care
October 23, 2024
Ohio and Indiana health systems focus on providing complex heart surgery, cardiology services closer to home
Advanced care for women and infants now open in Indianapolis with the Women and Infants Hospital on the Ascension St. Vincent Hospital campus.
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital is a verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in Indianapolis treating children with life-threatening injuries.
Emergency care team at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, tell parents that CPR helped save their daughter’s life.
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital kidney transplant team plans a Big Ten championship watch party for a longtime kidney patient in Indianapolis.
Hearts on the mend: Brothers share heart valve replacement journey
February 14, 2024
Brothers Mike and Steve Vandeveer undergo a minimally invasive heart surgery known as TAVR which helps shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of infection.
Breast health and breast cancer as you age
May 15, 2026
Christina J. Kim, MD, breast surgical oncologist at Ascension St. Vincent in Fishers, Indiana, shares why even after age 50, you should still follow breast screening guidelines.
15 year old takes the field after head trauma accident
October 2, 2025
Peyton Manning Children's Hospital patient served as the "Coin Toss Kid" at Lucas Oil Stadium during the Colts game in Indianapolis.
How dry needling therapy helps muscle pain
October 2, 2025
Physical therapists at Ascension St. Vincent across Indiana use dry needling to help with muscle injuries by easing pain and helping you move better.
Miranda Wahnsiedler, MSN, BS, AGCNS-BC, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, was recognized by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses for her dedication to the improvement of women’s health.
The new Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, IN, was thoughtfully designed to promote healing and reduce anxiety through intentional choices, while honoring heritage and community.
The newly expanded Hilbert Pediatric Emergency Department at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital provides Central Indiana families with greater access to high-quality, specialized emergency care.
If incidents occur this Fourth of July, knowing where and when to get immediate and emergency care is important.
Four summer activities that often lead to injuries
June 23, 2025
Ascension urgent care and orthopedic teams are here to help you manage your summer injury.
Ascension St. Vincent announces its new brain and spine hospital will be named Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent. The name honors the donation from an Indianapolis family for their generosity and partnership.
The new Ascension St. Vincent Brain and Spine Hospital will be the premier destination for cranial and spine care, ensuring that Indiana families have access to the best care close to home.
Advanced care for women and infants now open in Indianapolis with the Women and Infants Hospital on the Ascension St. Vincent Hospital campus.
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital is a verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in Indianapolis treating children with life-threatening injuries.
Emergency care team at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, tell parents that CPR helped save their daughter’s life.
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital kidney transplant team plans a Big Ten championship watch party for a longtime kidney patient in Indianapolis.
Hearts on the mend: Brothers share heart valve replacement journey
February 14, 2024
Brothers Mike and Steve Vandeveer undergo a minimally invasive heart surgery known as TAVR which helps shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of infection.