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Carson Tahoe Health
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious and often misunderstood condition. It involves high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not the type measured with a standard arm cuff. When these arteries narrow or stiffen, the heart must work harder to move blood through the lungs. Over time, this strain can affect the right side of the heart and may lead to heart failure. Symptoms often begin slowly, so many people mistake pulmonary hypertension for being out of shape or simply tired. This delay allows the condition to progress without being detected.
Signs of Pulmonary Hypertension You Shouldn’t Ignore
Early signs of pulmonary hypertension can include persistent shortness of breath during everyday activities, chronic fatigue, dizziness or fainting with exertion, swelling in the legs or abdomen, and chest discomfort. A common misconception is that a normal blood pressure reading rules out heart or lung concerns, but PH exists in a closed circuit between the heart and lungs and requires specialized testing to detect. While patients were once advised to avoid activity, current medical guidance supports supervised, light exercise as an important part of maintaining heart strength and overall health.
Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve quality of life. If breathing symptoms continue despite inhaler use, or if stamina declines without a clear cause, patients should request further evaluation. An echocardiogram is often an important next step.
Pulmonary hypertension is a chronic condition, but modern treatments now offer many effective options. With proper care, many patients can live active and fulfilling lives. In recognition of American Heart Month, Carson Tahoe Health is engaging the community through Heart Smart screenings and educational outreach, including the Doc Talk “Heart Matters: A Guide to Cardiovascular Health,” presented by Nael Aboul-Hosn, DO.
This article is authored by Varun Kohli, MD, a board-certified cardiologist at Carson Tahoe Cardiology with more than a decade of experience treating complex cardiovascular conditions, including pulmonary hypertension. Dr. Kohli is currently accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, please call 775-445-7650 or visit Carson Tahoe Health’s cardiovascular care page for more information.
