What kind of doctor treats pulmonary hypertension

Having such symptoms should lead to testing. If the diagnosis is pulmonary hypertension, you will be referred for more specialized care. Pulmonologists specialize in treating lung diseases, including pulmonary hypertension. These specialists examine patients regularly, develop each patient's treatment plan, and oversee the care provided by the other team members.

Pulmonary hypertension forces the right ventricle of the heart to work harder to pump blood through the lungs. The "gold standard" of diagnosis is a test called a right heart catheterization , which measures the blood pressure inside the pulmonary artery. The test can also measure the rate at which the heart pumps blood and can detect leaks between the right and left sides of the heart.

Heart failure is also a possible consequence of pulmonary hypertension. As a result, cardiologists will be an essential part of your care team because they can interpret the test results and monitor heart function.

In fact, some cardiologists specialize in treating pulmonary hypertension. Pharmacists will ensure that the drugs that you take for your pulmonary hypertension needs are available in the hospital, clinic, or pharmacy. They also keep the doctors and nurses apprised of your drug regimen and any possibly dangerous interactions with other drugs you may be taking.

Nurse practitioners NPs will provide follow-up and day-to-day care and may be your point person if you have questions about symptoms, medications, and side effects. One of their most important responsibilities is to help patients manage complex drug regimens and side effects. Some of the medicines used to treat pulmonary hypertension can cause nausea, vomiting, and aches and pains. Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK is a charity for people with pulmonary hypertension.

The website provides further information and advice about all aspects of the condition, including living with pulmonary hypertension , and support for family and friends. Page last reviewed: 23 January Next review due: 23 January Treating underlying conditions If pulmonary hypertension is caused by another condition, such as a heart or lung problem, treatments will focus on the underlying condition.

You may also be offered an operation known as a pulmonary endarterectomy. Specialist centres for pulmonary arterial hypertension If you have pulmonary arterial hypertension PAH , you'll be referred to a centre that specialises in treating this form of the condition. Treatments include: anticoagulant medicines — such as warfarin to help prevent blood clots diuretics water tablets — to remove excess fluid from the body caused by heart failure oxygen treatment — this involves inhaling air that contains a higher concentration of oxygen than normal digoxin — this can improve your symptoms by strengthening your heart muscle contractions and slowing down your heart rate There are also a number of specialist treatments for PAH that help relax the arteries in the lungs and reduce the blood pressure in the lungs.

Have you referred patients for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy? Does the hospital your patients are admitted to have specific nursing and pharmacy protocols and training for the care of patients hospitalized with PAH especially for patients on IV medications?

Does the hospital your patients are admitted to have PAH medications in stock especially prostanoids? Is the Emergency Department that your patients are usually referred to familiar with PAH and all the different treatments used, including emergency management of injectable prostanoids? For pediatric patients: Do you currently treat other children who have PH? View All Listings. Find a listing Physician Name. Board-Certified in.