How is pulmonary hypertension diagnosed?
Symptoms and medical history review
- The first step in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension involves a thorough review of the patient’s medical history, including any symptoms or risk factors related to the condition.
- Symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, and fainting episodes are considered during this assessment.
Physical examination
- A comprehensive physical examination is conducted to check for any signs of pulmonary hypertension, such as enlarged heart, abnormal heart sounds, or abnormal lung sounds.
- The examination may also involve assessing the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels.
Diagnostic tests
- Echocardiogram: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create a detailed image of the heart and its functioning, allowing the healthcare provider to assess the structure and function of the heart chambers and valves.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can help identify any abnormalities or signs of strain on the heart due to pulmonary hypertension.
- Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can reveal the condition of the heart and lungs, providing valuable information for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension.
- Pulmonary function tests: These tests measure how well the lungs are functioning and can help identify any underlying lung conditions that may be contributing to pulmonary hypertension.
- Right heart catheterization: This invasive procedure involves inserting a catheter into the heart to measure the pressure in the pulmonary arteries directly, providing a definitive diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.
Blood tests
- Blood tests may be performed to assess the levels of certain substances in the blood, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which can indicate heart strain or failure.
Additional imaging
- CT scan or MRI: These imaging tests may be used to assess the structure and function of the heart and lungs in more detail, providing additional information for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension.
Exercise testing
- Exercise testing, such as a six-minute walk test, may be conducted to evaluate the patient’s exercise capacity and assess the severity of pulmonary hypertension.
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