![]() The ability to do physical activity becomes very limited. It's comfortable at rest, but doing simple tasks such as bathing, dressing or preparing meals causes fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain. There's a slight limitation of physical activity. Everyday chores or activities such as going to work or the grocery store may cause some shortness of breath or mild chest pain. ![]() Pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed, but there are no symptoms during rest or exercise. Once a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is confirmed, the condition is classified according to how the symptoms affect you and your ability to do everyday tasks.įunctional classifications of pulmonary hypertension fall into one of following categories: Pulmonary hypertension functional classification If you test positive, your health care provider might recommend screening other family members. If a family member has had pulmonary hypertension, screening for genes that are linked with disease may be recommended. An open-lung biopsy is a type of surgery in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the lungs. Rarely, an open-lung biopsy may be done to check for a possible cause of pulmonary hypertension. A V/Q scan can determine whether blood clots are causing symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. The tracer shows blood flow and airflow to the lungs. In this test, a radioactive tracer is given by IV. A sleep study can help diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, which can cause pulmonary hypertension. A sleep study measures brain activity, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels and other factors during sleep. The test involves blowing into an instrument called a spirometer. This noninvasive test measures how much air the lungs can hold and the airflow in and out of the lungs. It can show blood flow in the pulmonary arteries and determine how well the lower right heart chamber (right ventricle) is working. This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart. It can help diagnose lung diseases that might lead to pulmonary hypertension such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. Dye (contrast) may be injected into a vein to help the blood vessels show up more clearly on the images.Ī heart (cardiac) CT scan can show the size of the heart and any blockages in the pulmonary arteries. This imaging test takes a series of X-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside the body. Other tests may be done to check the condition of the lungs and pulmonary arteries and further determine the cause of pulmonary hypertension:Ĭomputerized tomography (CT). A cardiologist can then measure blood pressure in the main pulmonary arteries and the right ventricle. The catheter is gently guided into the right lower heart chamber (right ventricle) and pulmonary artery. If an echocardiogram reveals pulmonary hypertension, you'll likely have a right heart catheterization to confirm the diagnosis.ĭuring this procedure, a cardiologist places a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel, usually in the groin. If you have this test, you may be asked to wear a mask that checks how well the heart and lungs use oxygen and carbon dioxide. Sometimes, an echocardiogram is done while exercising on a stationary bike or treadmill to learn how activity affects the heart. This test may be done to help diagnose pulmonary hypertension or to determine how well treatments are working. An echocardiogram shows blood flow through the heart. Sound waves are used to create moving images of the beating heart. Patterns on an ECG may reveal signs of right ventricle enlargement or strain.Įchocardiogram. This simple test records the electrical activity of the heart. A chest X-ray may be used to check for other lung conditions that can cause pulmonary hypertension. A chest X-ray creates pictures of the heart, lungs and chest. Blood tests can help determine the cause of pulmonary hypertension or detect signs of complications. Blood and imaging tests done to help diagnose pulmonary hypertension may include:
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