What should you know about pulmonary arterial hypertension?

The pulmonary arteries carry blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. In pulmonary arterial hypertension, these vessels can become narrowed, stiff or otherwise changed. The right side of the heart then has to push harder to move blood forward. Breathlessness with activity, tiredness, dizziness, chest pressure and ankle swelling may develop. The condition is different from ordinary hypertension, which refers to pressure in the arteries throughout the body. A clinician may investigate heart and lung function, oxygen levels, blood tests and possible associated conditions such as heart failure, chronic kidney disease, obesity or obstructive sleep apnoea.

If this condition is suspected or diagnosed, attend the recommended cardiology or respiratory appointments. Keep a record of breathlessness, dizziness, swelling and your ability to walk or climb stairs. Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed and discuss pregnancy, travel, exercise and any new medicine with your specialist before making plans. Do not change treatment because symptoms improve. Managing related problems, including high blood pressure or sleep-disordered breathing, may form part of the overall plan.

Call emergency services for sudden severe breathlessness, fainting, blue lips, new confusion, severe chest pain, or coughing blood. Seek urgent medical advice for rapidly increasing ankle or abdominal swelling, a sudden drop in exercise ability, or palpitations accompanied by dizziness. These changes can signal strain on the heart or another urgent problem.

Ask which tests establish the diagnosis, what may have caused it, how the heart is coping, which activities are appropriate, how to monitor symptoms at home, and what to do if a dose is missed.