Submitted by Dr T on October 18, 2012 – 10:06am
Hi Jennifer,
These findings (mild tricuspid insufficiency, Pulmonary artery pressure 26mmHg, PA systolic pressure 27.55mmHg are all a little abnormal), with the insufficiency probavly the result of higher than normal pressures in the arteries to your lungs. It is called mild Pulmonary hypertension (PH). It is unclear to me whether your symptoms are related. There can be many reasons why your pressures may be elevated and in many cases the cause is unknown. In this case, the condition is idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). IPAH is rare. It affects more women than men. If pulmonary hypertension is caused by a known medicine or medical condition, it is called secondary pulmonary hypertension.
I agree with your PCP to hold off treatment till you see your cardiologist, assuming this will be soon. Since your condition isn’t serious at this point, the first thing that needs investigation is whether this fainting episode and palpitations have anything to do with these findings. Treatment is determined by the cause of PH and the clinical findings and probably should start with improving your lifestyle (such as cwssation of smoking, weight loss etc.) if possible.
Hope this helps,
Dr T