Do I Have High Blood Pressure in My Lungs?
This information has been approved by M. Patricia George, MD, (October 2024).
Do I Have High Blood Pressure in My Lungs?
High blood pressure in the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension (PH).
PH can affect your ability to do daily chores, physical activities, sleep, thought and more.
Untreated, PH can lead to right heart failure and death.
Common Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Low oxygen levels
- Chest pain or pressure
- Near-fainting/fainting
- Swelling of the ankles or abdomen
- Heart failure (in advanced cases)
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
If you have a family member with PH or if you experience symptoms that are not explained by other diseases, contact a pulmonary hypertension specialist for evaluation.
Diagnosis
PH mimics other diseases and often goes undiagnosed.
Additional tests may be needed to confirm your diagnosis. Here are the most common diagnostic tests for PH:
- Echocardiogram
- Heart Catheterization
The 5 Types of PH
Types of PH Are Grouped by Cause
The World Health Organization (WHO) initially named the groups, so they are called WHO Groups.
| Group | Name | Causes |
| WHO Group 1 | Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) | Stiffness, narrowing or scarring of the pulmonary arteries |
| WHO Group 2 | PH due to Left Heart Disease | Left side of the heart does not pump correctly |
| WHO Group 3 | PH due to Chronic Lung Disease and Hypoxia | Shortage of oxygen |
| WHO Group 4 | PH due to Chronic Arterial Obstructions (blood clots) | Blood clots blocking pulmonary arteries |
| WHO Group 5 | PH from Unknown Causes | Not well understood. |
Most Patients Have PH Due to Left Heart Disease
| Group 2 Left Heart Disease | Groups 2 & 3 Left Heart & Lung Disease | Group 1 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) |
| 33.5% | 28.3% | 15.6% |
| Group 3 Chronic Lung Disease & Hypoxia | Group 4 Chronic Arterial Obstructions (blood clots) | Groups 2, 3 & 4 Left Heart Disease, Lung Disease & Blood Clots |
Groups 2 & 4 Left Heart Disease & Blood Clots | Groups 3 & 4 Lung Disease & Blood Clots |
Facts
- Living above 8,200 feet elevation increases risk of Group 3 PH
- Females develop PAH 2-3X more often than males
- 46% of PAH cases are from unknown causes
Additional Resources
- Pulmonary Hypertension Overview
- Living with Pulmonary Hypertension
- Pulmonary Hypertension Information and Videos
- High Blood Pressure in the Lungs – A Facebook Live Q&A
- Care for Pulmonary Hypertension
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