Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment at Jefferson
Jefferson physicians are experienced in accurately diagnosing and treating primary pulmonary hypertension. Specialists in pulmonary disease and cardiology collaborate to devise personalized treatment plans that typically include medications such as:
- Anticoagulants, oxygen
- Diuretics
- Newer drugs to help selectively lower pulmonary blood pressure without excessively lowering general blood pressure taken in the arm
- Calcium channel blocking drugs
In some rare instances, a lung transplant may be necessary if the disease has progressed and damaged lung functions.
Pulmonary hypertension is challenging to diagnose as it can be confused with other conditions of the heart and lungs. Procedures such as electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), echocardiogram (echo), pulmonary function tests, perfusion lung scan and right cardiac catheterization are used to make a diagnosis. Once diagnosed, we will help you successfully manage the disease and prevent serious complications affecting the heart and blood vessels.