An article on this topic is available in this issue of AFP . Pulmonary hypertension is a disorder of the blood vessels in the lungs. This puts strain on the right side of the heart. Pulmonary hypertension is a serious problem. Common signs of pulmonary hypertension are shortness of breath with activity, feeling tired, fainting and chest pain.
Symptoms usually limit exercise and other activities.
Pulmonary hypertension can have many causes. Sometimes the cause is not known. Both primary and secondary types are usually permanent conditions, although treatment can improve symptoms and long-term outcomes in some people. The signs of pulmonary hypertension can be like the signs of many health problems. To find out if you have pulmonary hypertension, your doctor may do an echocardiogram.