What should you know about secondary pulmonary hypertension?

The lung arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs. When pressure in these vessels is raised, the right side of the heart has to work harder to move blood forward. Secondary pulmonary hypertension can occur with conditions such as Heart Failure, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Chronic Kidney Disease, Obesity or other heart and lung problems. Some people first notice breathlessness on activity, tiredness, chest discomfort, dizziness or ankle swelling. A symptom does not identify its cause; assessment may include examination, heart and lung tests, and blood tests.

If breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance, chest discomfort or swelling is new or worsening, arrange a medical review. Take your medicine list and details of known conditions such as Hypertension or Heart Failure. Follow the treatment plan for the underlying condition, avoid stopping heart or blood pressure medicines without advice, and ask whether sleep, kidney or weight-related factors need attention. Specialist assessment may be needed to clarify the pressure and heart function. Related reading includes Angina, Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness at rest, fainting, blue or grey lips, new confusion, crushing chest pain, or sudden weakness or speech trouble. Seek prompt medical advice for rapidly worsening breathlessness, new swelling, repeated dizziness or chest discomfort with activity. Do not assume these symptoms are caused by pulmonary pressure; urgent assessment is guided by their severity and suddenness.

Which condition may be contributing to the raised pressure? What tests will assess my heart and lungs? Which medicines should I continue, and what symptoms require emergency help?