Types of pulmonary hypertension

The first group affects the small arteries in the lungs directly. Another group results from left-sided heart problems, including heart failure or valve disease. A third group is linked with lung conditions or low oxygen, such as obstructive sleep apnoea. A further group follows long-lasting blood clots that narrow or block lung arteries. The final group includes less common causes or combinations that do not fit neatly into the other categories.

Symptoms can include breathlessness during activity, tiredness, dizziness, chest discomfort, or swelling around the ankles. These symptoms can have many causes, so they do not identify a type by themselves. Tests may include heart imaging, breathing assessment, blood tests, and scans of the lung blood vessels.

Arrange a medical assessment if breathlessness is new, persistent, or worsening, especially when ordinary activity becomes harder. Bring a list of medicines and any history of heart disease, lung disease, sleep apnoea, blood clots, or family conditions. Treatment depends on the group: clinicians may address the underlying heart or lung problem, manage clot-related disease, or use specialist medicines that relax or widen lung arteries. Do not start or stop heart or blood-pressure medicine without advice.

Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness at rest, fainting, new severe chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, or rapidly increasing swelling. Sudden breathlessness with chest pain or coughing blood can signal a blood clot and needs immediate assessment. A sudden face droop, arm weakness, or speech difficulty is also an emergency; these are possible signs of stroke.

Ask which group is suspected, which tests will distinguish it, whether a heart or lung condition is contributing, and which symptoms should prompt urgent help. Ask how activity, sleep, medicines, and follow-up will be managed while the assessment continues.