I had an echocardiogram that showed pulmonary hypertension. What does it mean?

2

First you need to know more about your heart, including the fact it has two sides, a left and a right side, that work in series with each other. Read here how your heart works:

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and secondary failure of the right side of the heart. It is a life-threatening condition with a poor prognosis if untreated.

PH is associated with a variety of factors:

• The diet drug “fen-phen.” Although the appetite suppressant “fen-phen” (dexfenfluramine and phentermine) has been taken off the market, former fen-phen users have a 23-fold increase risk of developing pulmonary hypertension, possibly years later.
• Liver diseases, rheumatic disorders, lung conditions. Pulmonary hypertension also can occur as a result of other medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis; rheumatic disorders such as scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus); and lung conditions including tumors, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis.
• Certain heart diseases. Heart diseases including aortic valve disease, left heart failure, mitral valve disease, and congenital heart disease can also cause pulmonary hypertension.
• Thromboembolic disease. A blood clot in a large pulmonary artery can result in the development of pulmonary hypertension.
• Low-oxygen conditions. High altitude living, obesity, and sleep apnea can also lead to the development of pulmonary hypertension.
• Genetic predisposition. Pulmonary hypertension is inherited in a small number of cases. Knowing that someone in the family had or has pulmonary hypertension should prompt you to seek early evaluation should symptoms occur.
• A variety of systemic illnesses elsewhere that may involve the lungs

Most patients with PH initially experience exertional shortness of breath, lethargy, and fatigue, that may progress if the right side of the heart begins to fail.